Pacific Union Recorder by Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

recorder PACIFIC UNION

CONNECTING THE PACIFIC UNION ADVENTIST FAMILY >> MARCH 2014

WELLNESS INITIATIVE

at Loma Linda University Health

‘LIVE... pageIT’22

CONTENTS: 20-21 27-32 14 6-7 26 19 25 22-23 12-13 15-18 8-9 24 4-5 10-11 31 26

Adventist Health Advertising Arizona Central California Church State Council Hawaii La Sierra University Loma Linda Nevada-Utah Newsletters Northern California Pacific Union College Southeastern California Southern California Sunsets Union News

about the cover Daniel Fontoura, MBA, is the new leader of a major wellness initiative on the combined Loma Linda Health campuses. PHOTO BY LARRY KIDDER

recorder PACIFIC UNION

Recorder Staff

Editor / Layout & Design

Alicia Adams — alicia@puconline.org

Publisher

Gerry Chudleigh — gerry@puconline.org

Administrative Assistants

Sali Butler — commdept@puconline.org Sharon Edwards —sharon@puconline.org

Printing

Pacific Press Publishing Association www.pacificpress.com

The Recorder is a monthly publication reaching approximately 76,000 Seventhday Adventist homes in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah. Our mission is to inform, educate and inspire our readers to action in all areas of ministry.

Editorial Correspondents Adventist Health 916-781-4756

Divya Joseph — divya.joseph@ah.org

Arizona 480-991-6777

Phil Draper — phildraper@azconference.org

Central California 559-347-3000

Costin Jordache — cjordache@cccsda.org

Hawaii 808-595-7591

Jesse Seibel — jesseseibel@gmail.com

La Sierra University 951-785-2000 Larry Becker — lbecker@lasierra.edu

Loma Linda 909-558-4526

Susan Onuma — sonuma@llu.edu

Nevada-Utah 775-322-6929

Northern California 925-685-4300 Stephanie Leal — sleal@nccsda.com

Pacific Union College 707-965-6303 Cambria Wheeler — cammie@puc.edu

Southeastern California 951-509-2200

Enno Müller — communications@seccsda.org

Southern California 818-546-8400

Betty Cooney — bcooney@sccsda.org Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 0744-6381), Volume 114,

25 2

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2, is the official journal of the Pacific Union Conference of SeventhNumber 3, day Adventists, and is published monthly. Editorial office is at 2686 Townsgate Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91361: 805-497-9457. Periodical postage paid at Thousand Oaks, CA, and additional mailing offices. Subscription rate: No charge to Pacific Union Adventist church members; $12 per year in U.S.; $16 foreign (U.S. funds); single copy, $0.85. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Department, Pacific Union Recorder, Box 5005, Westlake Village, CA 91359.

President’s Perspective

Pray About It

he North American Division has designated the year 2014 as a Year of Prayer. This was inaugurated in a prayer conference held Jan. 9-12 in Monterey, Calif. There have been other prayer retreats and conferences held, but, to my knowledge, this was the first one with a special emphasis on pastors. Ruthie and Don Jacobsen and their team organized this event. With more than 800 people in attendance, it was a powerful event that sought to re-stimulate a passion for prayer, and to help create a culture of prayer in this division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The speakers talked about praying and told of incredible answers to prayer, and the attendees spent time praying with and for one another. In fact, as we arrived to the registration desk, we were met by “designated prayers” who prayed in the lobby of the facility. I was prayed with three times before I could even pick up my registration materials. I prayed with old friends, new friends, people of all ethnicities, cultures and ages. Men and women prayed together. As I reminisced about this event, I thought about the lessons I learned. Pastor Dwight Nelson of the Pioneer Memorial Church at Andrews University related an incident from the story of Pavel Goia, currently a Seventh-day Adventist pastor in Kentucky, who once smuggled Bibles into his native Romania and preached the gospel in spite of communist opposition. As recorded in One Miracle After Another by Gregg Budd (Review and Herald, 2010), Goia was in a car accident in Romania and hit a young man. The ambulance came and took the young man to the hospital, where it was determined he had massive internal injuries. He was eventually pronounced dead and his body was taken downstairs to the morgue. Goia and his wife wept, still in disbelief that the pastor had accidently killed someone, let alone a young person. This young man was well known in the small town because he had a severe stutter. Realizing the young man’s death could seriously impact the witness of their church, Goia and his wife, along with church members and others, prayed all night that God would raise the young man to life. The next morning, the young man was found sitting up on the the stainless steel table, very much alive. The pastor and his wife rushed to the hospital and found doctors swarming around, comparing the X-rays from the night before. The massive internal injuries were gone, the pastor says — and the young man no longer stuttered! Nelson emphasized three elements of prayer. Prayers must be desperate, urgent and expectant. We must cry out to God with a sense of desperation for deliverance from sin. Our prayers must be filled with the urgency of the situation. And we must pray with the expectation that the requests will be answered. Prayer was not only important to Jesus — it was essential. “Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among men, was often in prayer. … His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Savior of men, the Son

of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer” (Steps to Christ, 93, 94). On several occasions, Jesus either spent the entire night in prayer (Luke 6:12) or got up before sunrise (Mark 1:35) to pray. He taught his disciples how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13), directing them to acknowledge God as our collective Holy Father who supplies all our needs daily. “Prayer is heaven’s ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian character... For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christ like temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; and the promise is, ‘Ye shall receive’” (The Acts of the Apostles, 563, 564). So, what do we pray for? Everything. A friend in California recently wrote me an e-mail. She noted that the California governor declared the current drought a dire emergency and asked for conservation. She suggested that we call for a day of prayer on Feb. 7-8, asking God to send rain. This is urgent, she said. Most Californians will agree. Jesus told a parable about the link between persistence and prayer in Luke 11:5-13, which ended in declaring that the Heavenly Father is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask, and to those who expect an answer. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” The book of James admonishes us to ask God for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). We should pray for rain in California. We should pray for wisdom for our church boards and committee meetings. We should pray for the sick to be healed. But most of all, we should pray for the latter rain of the Holy Spirit to fall on all. Then, the work of God will finish in a glorious manner, and all who are willing to be saved, will be saved.

Ricardo Graham March 2014

Southeastern California Conference

SECC Churches Raise Funds for Relief in the Philippines

lizer Sacay, vice president of Asian-Pacific ministries at Southeastern arrived. There was more than enough food for everyone. After the worCalifornia Conference, traveled to Tacloban City, Philippines, on Dec. ship and lunch, many gave testimonies. Those who attended filled out 20, 2013. He was overwhelmed by what he saw. cards detailing their personal and family needs. “I was very sorry to An Adventist police see all the devastaofficer arrived with tion left and right,” he three other officers said. “I saw tents all to help with the around. People were distribution of funds. living in them, within The people were sight of houses that extremely grateful could not be immediand happy that others ately repaired.” from far away had On Nov. 8, Typhoon remembered them. Haiyan (a.k.a. Typhoon While there were Yolanda) decimated some nonprofit the Philippines, organizations that displacing millions were helping with of people. The storm relief, much of the was one of the help was impractical. most powerful ever For example, food was recorded, creating distributed in cans, urgent needs for those but people were unwho were affected by able to buy utensils to Those in need receive funds at a local Adventist church distribution center. the destruction. cook or eat with. The As soon as the news money given to these was widely reported, SECC, in conjunction with individuals helped Filipino Adventist Ministers and Members Asthem get back on their sociation in North America, began raising funds feet with things that in order to send much-needed relief supplies. had been lost during The conference communicated with all the storm. of its churches, urging the church family to “I could see the contribute. Pastors asked members to make difficulty that people voluntary donations; those who wanted to get were facing,” said more involved with general relief efforts were Elizer Sacay. “The referred to ADRA. funds that we brought Sacay and his wife, Bler, were chosen to were a great relief to represent SECC churches and travel to seven them. While other different cities in the Philippines to disburse the organizations helped collected funds. Local Adventist churches in the with canned goods, People from Kinatarkan Island waiting for the distribution of funds. cities hosted the distribution centers. rice and a few other When they arrived, the situation was dire. things, in reality, they Pastors and officers of the Philippine Union Conference had also been didn’t have anything to start life again.” severely affected by the storm. There was no housing, no hotels. Four Sacay said that even now, donations are arriving. Through his connecpeople from the Philippine Union conference helped the Sacays find a tions, he is able to identify places where there is still great need. place to stay and food to eat. “I am going to send the new donations to places that we were not able While they travelled, they held three Sabbath church services. One of to reach when we visited,” he said. those Sabbaths, they held a service and provided lunch for all those who Mario A. Munoz

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Southeastern California Conference

THE STORY OF ACTS, PART 2

Adventist Schools in Mission

nplanned outreach describes Mesa Grande Academy’s recent mission trip. “Without much of a plan, it was unnerving to drive four adults and 24 academy kids into Los Angeles,” said David Lundgrin, mission trip coordinator and high school teacher at Mesa Grande Academy. “All our trips before, every minute, every meal had to be at a certain time and place.” The school’s November 2013 trip was modeled after the method of Jesus and his disciples, “who traveled the countryside — often without a plan,” explained Lundgrin. “They always had stuff to do.” Basic arrangements were made, Alfred Riddle, MGA principal, noted, but the plan was kept “flexible enough to look for ways to help people.” The mission team wanted to see how God would lead in outreach — and they ended up with “stuff to do” at eight different places. They accomplished jobs such as cleaning and organizing at a Hope for Homeless Youth home; assembling computer desks, designing a library and patching concrete at White Memorial Adventist School; distributing lunches and blankets in Venice Beach, at the Santa Monica Pier and in downtown L.A.; making a presentation at the White Memorial church for Sabbath school; and doing heavy landscape work at a Baldwin Park low-income housing project.

Mesa Grande Academy students use whatever resources are available to them in order to help others.

At the shelter, Hope for Homeless Youth Transition, students’ duties included cleaning the kitchen and couches. “Whatever we could do, we did it,” Lauren Bosler, 17, admitted. Some students even jumped into the attic, replacing rotted wood. Lundgrin said, “Their eyes lit up when they realized: ‘Hey, I can decide what to help with and how to do it — without a grown-up.’” Rising early one day, students walked a block to investigate White Memorial Adventist School. The principal and her teacher-husband shared their dream of a library space where kids could come before school to read books and enjoy themselves. Lundgrin anStudents clean, sort and organize the White Memorial Adventist school library. nounced tasks:

“Clean the library, sort new books and paint a volleyball court — if there’s time.” “By the time we removed 10 books, our fingers were black,” said Bosler. “Discard piles came up to my hip.” As the work that the MGA students did was announced in chapel, the White Memorial Adventist School kids clapped and cheered. As students distributed sack lunches and blankets in Santa Monica and Venice Beach, a petite woman wrapped in blankets looked up at them. “God bless, and thank you for answered prayer,” she told them. In the act of giving, students said they learned that “some of us are spoiled.” MGA students stayed in youth rooms in which some even had to sleep on the floor. “I was missing my bed in a cozy house with a fireplace. But for the homeless, outside is home. I couldn’t imagine it,” said Bosler. After giving to the homeless, she felt God reminding her, “Be thankful for what you have.”

Kimberly Grace March 2014

Central California Conference

Hispanic Men’s Retreat Strengthens Family and Marriage

s a mother of two, Maria Ramirez* worked diligently keeping her family together despite the increasingly hostile and tense atmosphere in her home. For years she had struggled with thoughts of divorce due to the strained relationship with her husband. Her daughters, ages 12 and 7, saw their father as a stranger in their home. “As a mother and wife, I didn’t know what to do,” Ramirez recalls, “but I knew something had to change.” Shortly afterwards, Ramirez came across an application for the Hispanic Men’s Retreat in the Central California Conference. Sensing the leading of God, she became convicted that her husband needed to attend the event. With increased debts from Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, family finances were in critical condition. “We didn’t have enough to cover our household needs, let alone money with which to even consider doing activities outside the home,” explains Ramirez. “So I brought it to Christ in prayer.” Soon she found extra work and started saving for the application fee. In faith and without her husband’s knowledge, she registered him for the upcoming event. Reluctantly, her husband attended the retreat, feeling uncomfortable with the idea of going to a place where only men were meeting.

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Central’s annual men’s retreat held at Soquel Conference Center or Camp Wawona each spring commonly draws an attendance of 200 men.

When he returned home, he presented his wife with a bouquet of flowers as he kissed his two daughters on the forehead. As he went to place his suitcase in the bedroom, the girls began asking Ramirez what had happened to their father. When he returned, he began interacting genuinely with the family, asking what they had done over the weekend. As he picked up the youngest, he offered to take his girls out for ice cream. They looked at each other

in bewilderment, as this was not the father they had known. He had never interacted with them like this. Maria Ramirez realized that God had answered her prayers. Her husband had experienced a conversion. “It’s a miracle,” Ramirez believes. “Since that year, he has never missed a retreat.” *In order to respect privacy, names have been changed.

Dan Escamilla

Central California Conference

Central California Literature Evangelists Help Lead Large Outreach Initiative

ADAM JACKSON

he numbers are impressive: 22,622 doors knocked on; 15,517 GLOW tracts handed out; 2,238 copies of The Great Controversy distributed; approximately 2,089 people prayed with; and more than 216 requests for Bible studies collected. More impressive than these statistics, however, is the fact that it was all done by young people. More than 2,800 Seventh-day Adventist teenagers and young adults knocked on doors in Orlando, Fla., as a part of the annual Generation of Youth for Christ convention’s campaign to reach its surrounding communities. In preparation for the outreach, participants gathered in the nearby convention center for training. The meeting was opened with testimonies about the impact of The Great Controversy on individual lives. Following the testimonies, four young adult employees from the Central California Conference trained attendees to go door-to-door requesting donations, for which a copy of The Great Controversy was offered. The four young people who trained the participants have had significant experience

Attendees board buses for outreach activities.

with door-to-door work, as they are also leaders in Youth Rush, a 10-week literature evangelism program for high-school and college-age students. “The fact that we did, in 38 minutes of training, what would normally take 2 weeks in a summer program is great!” said Ranela Kaligithi, one of the four. The donations generated by participants were given to S.A.L.T. (Service and Love Together), a local ministry focused on helping homeless individuals, low-income families and children who are living at or below poverty level. After more than two hours of door-knocking and $16,000 in donations, participants came back ready to share testimonies. “Thank you so much for the training,” said one young lady from Barbados. “We put everything into practice as we distributed our books. We loved outreach!” As a result of the outreach, there were many powerful testimonies from attendees, including Jennifer Beltz. Upon entering the house of a very friendly lady, Beltz and her older brother, AJ, were able to pray with her and leave a copy of The Great Controversy with her. “I had been

SETH SHAFFER

Young adults go door-to-door, books in hand.

praying all morning that God would send me an answer to the problems I was having, and you two are like angels sent from God to help me,” the lady said, with tears in her eyes. The community management asked Beltz and her brother to leave the neighborhood shortly thereafter. Respecting management’s request and later reflecting on the experience, Beltz commented, “Praise God! It was awesome to see that God sent us to connect with this resident at just the right time!” Not only did this outreach experience impact the people in the community, but it dramatically changed the lives of the participants. “Some of these people probably have never gone door-to-door,” Kaligithi said, “and the fact that they raised $16,000 with limited training is amazing.” Ted Wilson, president of the General Conference, also participated in the outreach initiative. “It was a great experience,” Wilson said. “GYC not only gives young people a chance to grow spiritually through biblical messages, but also a wonderful way to participate in sharing the three angels’ messages with the public during GYC outreach activities. I was blessed to be part of it!”

Danielle Perez March 2014

Northern California Conference

Encounter Equips NCC Youth to Share Jesus

T PHOTOS BY ANNA MCMILLEN

eens from around the Northern California Conference gathered at the Carmichael church on Sabbath, Jan. 25, for “Encounter.” The day-long event for high school aged students was organized and presented by conference youth pastors and NCC Youth Director Eddie Heinrich. The Carmichael congregation held their worship service in the fellowship hall so that the

300 teens could meet in the sanctuary. Church members prepared and served lunch to the teens. “We are grateful for the hospitality of the Carmichael church members,” said Tyler Kraft, Lodi Fairmont church associate pastor. “They opened their sanctuary, kitchen and entire facility to help make Encounter a success.” Earlier in the month when the youth pastors met to plan Encounter, they decided to create something different from a traditional youth rally. “We reimagined the event to be more of

an equipping and training event, focused on sharing the gospel,” said Kraft. The day’s activities included talks, music, icebreaker games, videos and skits. Participants received a short workbook where they could record notes and ideas for witnessing. Questions included: “How has your life changed because of Jesus?” and “What is your biggest fear about sharing Jesus with others?” Pleasant Hill church Assistant Pastor Zach Reiber spoke for the day’s first session, explaining Christ’s method of evangelism — mingling with people, finding out their needs, winning their confidence, and then asking them to

Zach Reiber, assistant pastor of the Pleasant Hill church, speaks for the morning meeting.

Auburn church Associate Pastor David Carreon (right) gives instructions for an icebreaker game.

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Sacramento Adventist Academy seniors Rachel Acob and Mathias Gallaher perform “The Coat,” a skit about wearing salvation like a warm coat for everyone to see.

Northern California Conference follow Him. Reiber encouraged the kids to follow Jesus in the way they reached out to others. He also spoke about good and bad motivations for witnessing. “The best reason to share is because you’ve had an encounter with Jesus,” he said. Paradise Adventist Academy senior Kallie Griffine appreciated Reiber’s message. “He had good points and engaged the audience,” she said. “We learned how important it is to love people in order to share Jesus with them.” In several sessions, Carmichael church Associate Pastor Benji Ferguson taught the students how to give a gospel presentation, and he gave them the opportunity to practice with each other. He then encouraged them to call or text a friend and share Jesus right then. In the last Chico church Assistant Pastor Jonny Hayasaka leads the singing along with Paradise Adventist Academy session, Granite Bay church Assistant Pastor Dan freshman Ariana Marquez (middle) and Pine Hills Adventist Academy seventh-grader Megan Carreon. Garza spoke about the daunting task of telling the whole world about Jesus. The students learned that if they share Christ with those they know, they can make a difference in the world. In addition to the programs, the youth enjoyed getting to know their peers from around Northern California. “The event gave our students a time to get together in a bigger group and experience a broader sense of community than our local churches give,” said Chico church Assistant Pastor Jonny Hayasaka. The teens appreciated a Sabbath out of their ordinary routines, geared especially for them. “I liked the entire day,” said Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy freshman Nathan Bankhead, who particularly enjoyed the speakers, games and the lunch. He also learned an important truth. “I liked how they talked about how God has a plan Priscilla Dawson, Sacramento Adventist Academy freshman, plays an icebreaker game. for everyone, and that He will tell you what your plan is,” he said. Encounter was the outgrowth of a three-fold mission developed by the youth pastors, which they plan to implement in their individual churches and at conference-wide events. The otice is hereby given that a regular session of the Northern California Conference of mission can be summarized in three words: Seventh-day Adventists is called to convene at the Pacific Union College Church in Encounter, Mentor, Serve. “With ‘Encounter,’ we Angwin, California, on Sunday, May 18, 2014, at 9 a.m. want to connect kids with Jesus. With ‘Mentor,’ The purpose of this meeting is to receive from the officers and department directors of we want to provide discipleship opportunities, the Conference reports pertaining to the work carried on within its territory since the last resources and responsibilities,” said Reiber. “And conference session; to elect for the ensuing session officers, department directors, the Bylaws with ‘Serve,’ we want to create opportunities Committee, and the Conference Executive Committee; and to transact any other business that for other people to encounter Jesus, and to help may properly come before the delegates in session. them bring God into the lives of people around Each church is entitled to one delegate for the organization and one additional delegate for them.” each one hundred members or major fraction thereof. James E. Pedersen, President Julie Lorenz Marc K. Woodson, Executive Secretary

Notice of Constituency Session

March 2014

Southern California Conference

Hundreds Attend Fix My Life and Maranatha Rallies

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In his message, Aaron Nakamura removed layers of clothing — from a three-piece suit to a surfing outfit — to illustrate that attendees could start living for Christ by not judging others based on outward appearances. BETTY COONEY

supplication. Participants rotated to different stations where each prayer was emphasized. “It’s one thing to pray for our lives and for those closest to us,” Yebra said, “but it’s a more powerful experience when you pray with others facing challenges of their own. That really hit me.” Sabbath’s worship program had standing room only, upping the attendance count to more than 750. Collegiate ministry leader Jesús Noland gave a short message on fixing the mind in order to live for Christ every day. Nakamura spoke, asserting that living for Christ “needs to start right here” by not judging others based on outward appearances. After lunch, participants had the opportunity to take part in one of three outreach activities: feeding the homeless on Skid Row in Los Angeles; a community walk and canned food drive for the needy in the local community that included passing out GLOW Bible tracts; and a nursing home outing in which participants sang and interacted with those they visited. “It was great to really connect with people in the community that you wouldn’t otherwise connect with,” said 17-year-old Alex Gonzalez from Lake of the Woods church. “You think feeding people on the streets would be so easy, but when you actually talk to people and really learn about them, it’s amazing.” The youth rally concluded Saturday evening, followed immediately by the fifth annual Jump Start Missions rally hosted by Maranatha Volunteers International. That rally continued all day Sunday. The event, usually held in Roseville, Calif., has more than tripled its attendance since moving south. “Maranatha’s rally highlighted its annual Ultimate Workout misSome Fix My Life participants passed out personal care items to homeless people on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. sion project, which is

JACQUELYN KHOE

he second annual Fix My Life youth rally, hosted by the Temple City church in January 2014, drew more than 750 attendees representing more than 15 churches. “We wanted to involve more young people this year, since the theme for this year’s event focused on such a basic but crucial concern of today’s young people — how to live for Christ daily,” said Aaron Nakamura, event coordinator and Temple City youth ministries director. “Two years ago, with much prayer, the leadership team chose ‘Fix My Life’ as the name of this event,” he added. “It’s amazing, because now young people come up to us saying that they think of Fix My Life instead of a better known expletive phrase with the same initials common among young people today.” The rally started on Friday night, drawing an opening crowd of 180 young people. Lewston Morris, Whittier church youth ministries director, spoke on making the decision to take the first step toward living for Christ daily. He used his own testimony and relatable youth-oriented terms. “The best part of Friday’s program was the prayer activity,” said 20-year-old Sychar Yebra, who flew in from Chicago with her 16-year-old brother. The ACTS prayer activity focused on four different types of prayer — adoration, confessions and proclamations, thanksgiving and

Attendees at this year’s FML youth rally posted prayer requests or praises on the post-a-prayer wall.

specifically designed for high school students,” the event coordinator said. “It also focused on team building and growing a spirit for missions. This weekend was a huge weekend for SCC young people. I can’t wait to see what next year will hold! Parents have come to me, excited to see events catering to young people that help guide them to Jesus in a practical and interactive sense — I share that excitement!”

Aaron Nakamura

Southern California Conference

he Greater Los Angeles Region of the Southern California Conference honored Antonette Simpson with its Heart of a Servant Award at the region’s first Black & White Gala, held recently at the Universal City Hilton. The honoree was a charter member of the Breath of Life church who served with untiring dedication as community services leader for more than 25 years. In presenting the honor, SCC Vice President James G. Lee Jr. read a litany of Simpson’s accomplishments over the years: the establishment of the BOL Food Bank, the BOL Thrift Shop, monthly praise/worship programs at area-assisted living centers, monthly homeless feedings, a monthly free medical clinic, annual community Thanksgiving and Christmas feedings, holiday giveaways to needy families, monthly community breakfasts following early prayer services on first Sabbaths, weekly community Zumba fitness classes and the annual Christmas programs and weekly arts/crafts classes in the Jordan Downs area of Watts. “And this is only a partial listing of projects Antonette has spearheaded over the years,” said Lee. “Antonette’s activities are carried out with only a handful of faithful volunteers,” he added.

CLARENCE BROWN

Region Honors Antonette Simpson for 25 Years of Community Service

James G. Lee Jr., SCC vice president, presents Antonette Simpson with an award for her quarter-century involvement with community services at the Breath of Life church.

“Often, the huge physical burden of unloading many crates of groceries from the food truck falls on the shoulders of Antonette and a few volunteers. They store the food inside the church and later haul it to the parking lot, package and distribute it to needy families twice a month.” CLARENCE BROWN Simpson also personally prepares the meals for the monthly praise and worship services at Pacific Rim Apartments and Good Shepherd Manor and for the church’s monthly early prayer service. Community Services’ local impact over the years cannot be accurately quantified, as it has had a multiplier effect on families and neighborhoods. Associate Pastor Eustace Laurie (center), who is now attending seminary, However, one indicaregularly assisted Antonette Simpson on food bank days, offering prayer tor is the BOL Food to kick off the food distribution and ending with an inspirational talk to those homeless people who stayed afterward for a hot meal. Bank’s 2012 statistics.

More than 86,000 pounds of food (valued at $76,000) were distributed, serving nearly 3,000 families and more than 8,000 individuals. “Community Services’ vital ministry in the Breath of Life church also is operated efficiently at little or no cost to the church (mostly via personal donations),” a church leader commented. Simpson’s service is not limited to the Los Angeles area; she has traveled on lay missions to Ghana at her own expense, to volunteer at the Adventist hospital in Tamale and minister to local people. Known as one who tends to avoid the public spotlight, Simpson was genuinely moved and overwhelmed by the accolades she received at the GLAR Gala, as well as the show of support by so many fellow members and friends. “I thank everyone, particularly my husband Richard, my daughter and son-in-law Terri and Jerry Tucker, who often assist me; the food bank volunteers, faithful donors, Pastor Michael Jenkins Jr., and my God, to whom I give all the glory,” she said.

Clarence Brown March 2014

Nevada-Utah Conference

Wasatch Hills Church Welcomes Pastor Adam Case

really good friends (at Columbus). We had a lot of goodbyes to say, but we’re happy to move forward and look at what God has in store for us here.” The trip to Salt Lake City was one of the most adventurous he’s had, Case said. It was 17 degrees below zero when they loaded the moving van, and the people who loaded took only an hour and 15 minutes to finish. “They said it was too cold to mess around!” Case’s first sermon, “Someone Else’s Armor,” analyzed David and Goliath, and how David needed to trust God’s training. Sermons and Sabbath school alone cannot sustain a spiritual life, he said. Nor will reading Christian publications and watching broadcasts talking about God. Christians must spend time with God on their own. “You’re fighting in someone else’s armor if that is your only source of spiritual food,” Case added. “We need to be developing our own armor. We need to be reaching into the Word of God and have a relationship with Jesus. We need faith. David had faith in God. As we continue to develop our relationship with God, our faith can be strengthened, too. And as we come across hard times, we need to be able to say, ‘God is going to work in our future as he has worked in our past.’”

John Miller

JOHN MILLER

either sub-zero Wisconsin temperatures, nor keys locked inside a vehicle in Wyoming for an hour, nor getting a trailer stuck across a city street in Salt Lake City could keep Adam Case and his family from making the move to Utah where he gave his first sermon Jan. 18 as the new pastor of the Wasatch Hills church. Case replaces Bernie Anderson, who moved with his family to Apopka, Fla., to become the collegiate/young adult pastor at the Forest Lake church in August 2012. Case and his wife, Laurella, have a son, Joshua, who is now attending Summit Christian Academy. They moved from Columbus, Wis., where he pastored the Wisconsin Academy church. In his opening remarks at Wasatch, Case noted that the move to Utah “was not an easy decision,” he said. “We had envisioned being at Wisconsin Academy for a good many years. We very much enjoyed our time there.” But the family’s excitement about the move to Utah had grown a lot in the weeks since they accepted the call. “When it came right down to it, it felt like God was calling us to come out here,” Case added. “We felt very comfortable after making the decision, felt very much at peace since that time. It was sad to say goodbye to friends; we have a lot of

Nevada-Utah Conference President Larry Unterseher (far left) introduces Pastor Adam and Laurella Case as the new pastor of the Wasatch Hills church in Salt Lake City as elder Craig Chaya (second from left) looks on.

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Notice of Nevada-Utah Conference Session

Notice is hereby given that the 33rd Constituency Session of the Nevada-Utah Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is called to convene at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2014, at the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4575 South Sandhill Road, Las Vegas, Nevada. The purpose of this meeting is to receive the quadrennial reports, to elect conference officers, departmental directors and the Executive Committee; and the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the session. According to constitutional provision each organized church is entitled to two delegates-at-large and one additional delegate for each fifty (50) church members or fractional majority thereof.

Notice of Nevada-Utah Association Meeting Notice is hereby given that the regular Quadrennial Session of the Nevada-Utah Association of Seventh-day Adventists is called to convene at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2014, at the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4575 South Sandhill Road, Las Vegas, Nevada. This meeting is called for the purpose of receiving reports from the officers, electing a Board of Directors for the ensuing quadrennial term, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the delegates. All duly elected and accredited delegates at any regular or special session of the Nevada-Utah Conference of Seventhday Adventists will be recognized as delegates of any Association session.

Larry Unterseher, President Jason Bergmann, Secretary

Nevada-Utah Conference

Tahoe Camp Meeting Draws Attendees from Near and Far

PHOTOS BY DARLENE SPRATT

ake Tahoe camp meeting will return to Tahoe Valley RV Campground for the 2014 camp meeting. The theme for this year’s event is “Jesus is Still the Answer” with Larry Moore and Dr. Joseph Kidder as the keynote speakers. Moore, president of Southwestern Union and a former Nevada-Utah Conference president, will speak Monday through Wednesday evenings. Kidder, associate professor of Christian ministry at Andrews University, will speak Thursday through Saturday evenings and for the Sabbath morning service. The Reno Area Convocation will be held Aug. 1-2 in conjunction with the camp meeting. Lake Tahoe camp meeting continues to be planned and organized by an all-volunteer lay committee with members from northern California and Nevada. Darlene Spratt from the Reno area serves as the planning committee chair. She and the other volunteers are committed to making the camp meeting a Christ-centered experience for all who attend. “Our committee has placed this camp meeting in God’s hands, and we trust Him to guide us as we plan for each year. Our biggest challenge is

Larry Moore, president of the Southwestern Union and former Nevada-Utah Conference president, will speak Monday through Wednesday evenings.

financial in that camp meeting is funded exclusively by donations. However, by God’s grace, we have been able to meet our budget needs every year in this manner,” Spratt reports. “As long as God wants us to have Tahoe Camp Meeting He will make a way for us to accomplish it. We just keep following where He leads.” Planning committee member Virginia Rose talked with many of the campers last year and says that most are happy with the 2012 move to Tahoe Valley Campground. “Our campers enjoy having the option of full hook-ups at the camp sites. And, unlike our previous campground, the paved roads through this campground really help keep the dust down,” she says. Plus, the campground is located in a wooded area with walking trails and local wildlife that appeals to campers. Tahoe camp meeting is unique in that it provides opportunities for evangelism not found at most Adventist camp meetings. Attendees share the campground with people from many walks of life. They are encouraged to make friends with their neighbors and invite them to the seminars and meetings. As a result, a number of children and adult guests who aren’t church members attend the various seminars and meetings throughout the week. Last year, several expressed an interest in returning. Camp hosts Yvonne and Wes Reimche attended the Sabbath afternoon concert. “We love the kind of music you have here and are looking forward to next year,” said Yvonne. Some of the camp staff were even spotted at Eden’s Pantry enjoying a vegetarian meal. The ABC truck will be there to help campers stock their libraries and pantries. Eden’s Pantry will provide vegetarian and vegan food service again. RV and tent camping sites are available. Children’s and youth programs, morning devotionals, daily seminars and area activities make Tahoe the ideal family summer outing. For those who do not camp, many hotels are available near the campground, and parking is available inside the campground. For camping reservations, contact Tahoe Valley Campground (1175 Melba Dr., South Lake

Dr. Joseph Kidder, associate professer of Christian Ministry at Andrews University, will be the keynote speaker Thursday through Saturday evenings, including Sabbath morning.

Tahoe, CA 96150) at 530-541-2222. Be sure to specify the Adventist camp meeting to receive a reservation in the camp meeting loop. Early reservations are recommended, as space in the camp meeting loop fills up fast. For more info about the campground, visit www.rvonthego. com. For more information, visit tahoecampmeeting.adventistfaith.org, e-mail tahoecampmeeting@gmail.com, or call Virginia Rose, 916-967-5932.

Darlene Spratt

March 2014

Arizona Conference

Arizona ABC Hires Sandi Bowman as New Manager

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planning for all the stores for more than 11 years. In 2012, she and her husband Chad (a pilot) and her two children (Alyse, 9, and Taylor, 7) moved to the Phoenix, Ariz., area. Since then, Bowman has been working as an independent marketing consultant for Pacific Press and Review and Herald, working with AdventistBookCenter.com. Since moving to Phoenix, she has also worked as the business and office manager at Thunderbird Christian Elementary School. “I believe Sandi’s enthusiasm, compassion and business acumen will make her an excellent manager,” said Anobile, “and her love for the mission of the church seems to be a driving force in her work.” Bowman looks forward to serving the Arizona Conference by continuing to provide books, Bibles, music, and food to its constituents. “It’s exciting to be a part of the Arizona family and to know my good friend and mentor Judy McGee is nearby for consultation,” she says. “Plus, she promises to help in the store when we need a hand. I invite our Arizona family to come by so I can get to know each one.”

Phil Draper PHIL DRAPER

PHIL DRAPER

her annual book sales at the Arizona camp meeting, and used her decorating skills to beautify seasonal events. During a farewell speech for McGee, Arizona Conference President Tony Anobile said, “For nearly two years, we watched as construction on Scottsdale Road prevented customers from entering the front door of the ABC. We wondered how Judy would survive this hurdle. But she did. Business continued as usual, and the ABC remained lucrative, thanks to Judy’s managerial skills.” “Replacing such a unique ABC manager as Judy McGee was a Sandi Bowman takes over as new manager for the challenge,” said AriArizona Adventist Book Center in Scottsdale. zona Conference Exs the world economic conditions ecutive Secretary Ed Keyes. “What a relief when deteriorated during the past decade and Judy interviewed Sandi Bowman for the job. digital technologies replaced analog, Our administrative team feels confident Sandi many book stores have either closed their will take the reins and follow Judy’s footsteps, doors or been taken over by publishing houses. making the ABC continue to be successful.” However, the Arizona Adventist Book Center has Newly-hired ABC manager Sandi Bowman managed to stay financially afloat under more has a long history of working with Adventist than three decades of watchful care of Judy Book Centers, beginning during college. After McGee. graduating from Walla Walla University in 1999 When McGee announced her retirement with a bachelor’s in business administration, beginning in 2014, the conference wondered she worked in several ABCs, including being the who might take her place, or if they should even interim manager at the Ohio Adventist Book keep the store open. McGee has been a vital Center. part of the Arizona Conference since 1978. As In 2001, she was hired as the retail marketing ABC manager, she scheduled the bookmobile director at Pacific Press, where she worked with stops throughout the state to service remote 20 Adventist Book Centers across the nation, areas, provided income and entertainment at overseeing marketing, advertising, and event

Judy McGee works a special camp meeting sale.

Hawaii Conference

Hilo Church Reaches Out with Friends Club

ids from the community of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii gather each month to join with their Friends Club friends to sing, pray, laugh and learn more about Jesus. Dan and Linda Hovanski, members of the Hilo

Crafts help kids at Friends Club learn bliblical lessons and take them home to share.

church, initiated Friends Club with just a few kids at their first meeting. Over the years, the number has grown to an average of 70 kids every month. A large sign is posted in front of the church, and kids hand out personal invitations before each meeting. After a child attends three consecutive times, he or she receives a “Hilo SDA Church Friends Club” T-shirt. Lots of kids make new friends through the club. And, says Linda Hovanski, “We have up to 20 parents who stay for the meetings and with whom the staff has now become friends.” Each meeting begins with singing, prayer, a Bible story and a simple skit to reinforce the theme of the story. Then they complete a craft

Linda Hovanski prays with a Friends Club participant.

project and have a snack. After the closing prayer, children often linger for a little play time while their parents socialize. Organizing and running a club is a lot of work. ”Why not do it?” asks Linda Hovanski. “I am so thankful for the people who cared about kids they did not know, who spent time and effort to share Jesus’ love for me when I was a girl. How could I not do it? It is worth it all if just one child gives his/her heart to Jesus.”

Feryl Harris

Hawaii Pastors Gather for Growth

astors of the Hawaii Conference met for their annual ministerial meetings at the Honolulu Central church Jan. 13-14. President Ralph Watts opened the first day with a devotion from 2 Chronicles 26, focusing on the life of Uzziah. Watts reminded the pastors that success does not guarantee the absence of failure, and many times, pride is the greatest enemy. He challenged the pastors to keep their focus on Christ, the High Priest, and asked that a time be set aside that morning for pastors to pray in small groups. The business for the day began with Watts sharing news, resources and requirements with the ministers. They addressed continuing education, professional accountability, family

(From left to right) Pastors Jon Clark, Walt Nelson and Tim Nelson, and Bible worker Luis Beltre take time to discuss ministry between sessions.

well-being and other important issues. Gary Johnson, treasurer, reported that 2013 saw a modest increase in tithe, and encouraged the pastors to thank their members for their faithfulness. Dave Escobar, education superintendent, thanked the pastors for their churches’ support to schools, and the showed a clip of an upcoming film focused on Adventist education. Jesse Seibel, youth and communications director, reported on the many conference events and lay driven efforts that have resulted in baptisms and discipleship. Youth leaders, Pathfinder leaders and young adults are committing their time and resources in creative ways. Sharon Quick highlighted the need for all volunteers working with children to be enrolled in Shield the Vulnerable, an online training for recognizing and preventing child abuse. This year’s special lecturer was Jon Paulien, dean of the Loma Linda University School of Religion. Paulien presented multiple sessions over the two days where he challenged pastors to reengage Scripture’s many metaphors for atonement in order to better communicate the gospel to those who seem apathetic or even antagonistic. He also led the group through a survey of

the Gospel of John, highlighting its unique features compared to the other gospels, its original intended audience and its relevancy today. Paulien brought Dr. Jon Paulien leads not only a wealth of pastors through a survey academic content, but of the Gospel of John. also encouragement for pastors in the stages of faith development. “I’ve learned a lot about the Gospel by John through Dr. Paulien’s presentation,” said Pastor Koji Nishikawa of Lahaina and Kihei church. “These lessons confirmed the greatest commission of my job is to tell the truth, the gospel of Jesus Christ and His salvation for us.” After the meetings concluded, pastors surrounded Paulien with a prayer of thanks and blessings as he continues his ministry. “It was great to see our pastors coming together for training and encouragement,” said Watts. “I’m looking forward to the great things our God will do through their leadership.”

Jesse Seibel March 2014

Adventist Health

Adventist Health Staff Partner with Patients in Their Joys and Sorrows

Families release balloons into the air in remembrance of their lost children at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif.

heologian Frederick Buechner says that, “Compassion is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you, too.” This is the kind of compassion that Adventist Health employees try to show to those whom they serve. They are personally invested in the lives of every patient and their family. They celebrate joyous occasions like births, but also share in sorrow and support those who have lost a loved one. Grieving families mourn in diverse ways, and the Adventist Health facilities provide bereavement support for those varied needs. “Grief is a very hard journey to travel through, but it is a little easier when traveled through with a friend,” says Bryan Lewis, director of mission and spiritual care at Sonora Regional Medical Center. Lewis states that the staff are invested in the lives of the patients so much they often feel like members of the patient’s family. “When a child is born, we become part of that celebration, and when a loved one passes away we join in their grief,” he says, “We just become part of their family.”

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As the staff provides support to the grieving, they understand that each one of these families grieves differently, and they meet the different needs accordingly, according to Julie Sciligo, bereavement and patient care volunteer coordinator, Feather River Hospital. “Everyone grieves differently, and some people don’t want to be followed up with, and we will give them the space, but for those who need the support, we are there for them,” said Sciligo. Many of the Adventist Health facilities provide support to families for up to a year after losing their loved ones. However, everyone is welcome to be a part of the program. The facilities have support groups that meet periodically, and each of these groups are as diverse as the people who attend them.

Sonora Regional Medical Center Lets Families Acknowledge Grief “Grief is simply the normal response to loss,” says Teresa Nelson, chaplain at SRMC. “Anytime we lose something that is valuable to us, we have a reaction, and that reaction is grief. It is a normal thing, but if people don’t acknowledge

things, it can deeply affect them.” SRMC, located in the Sierra Foothills of California, aims to provide families space to acknowledge their grief through its bereavement program. Shortly after the loss of a loved one, the family receives a sympathy card signed by the staff and the chaplain that served the patient. The chaplains stay in contact with the families and send them regular mailers to help them cope with grief. Once a year, the staff organizes a remembrance service, where families of patients who have passed away come together to remember their loved ones. Following a responsive reading, they light a candle and say the name of their loved one who has passed away. “The candle lighting ceremony is the most meaningful experience for many of our families,” says Lewis, “People realize they are not alone. It is alright if there are tears. It is one of the few places that their grief is safe.” “Ritual is the bridge to healing,” says Nelson. “It helps them remember their loved ones and gives them the platform to acknowledge their grief. We are privileged to be able to offer rituals that can help them heal.”

White Memorial Medical Center Honors the Little Angels

White Memorial Medical Center, located in the Los Angeles area, provides a support group called Little Angels for families who have dealt with a stillbirth or miscarriage. Ingrid Suarez, R.N., and Dominique Luckey, M.D., started the program. Suarez had seen many women agonize through the loss of their child and realized that there was a need for such a program. The group meets once a month and provides a space for families to grieve. The families light a candle in honor of the child that has passed away and release a balloon into the sky. They are given a New Testament Bible with the child’s name inscribed and a ceramic angel to represent their loss. “Knowing that they won’t see those little hands grow or see them smile or talk is one of

Adventist Health the hardest thing for a mother to deal with,” says chaplain Bertha Herrera at WMMC. Herrera comes in contact with women right after their loss. Sometimes the women are inconsolable and some are stoic, numb with pain and in denial. She recalls one such story where a woman whose child had passed away denied help and seemed dazed and confused. Herrera continued to talk to the woman despite being rejected. She handed the woman a New Testament Bible, the woman began violently sobbing and Herrera was able to reach her. Herrera states that empathy is important when trying to reach those who are grieving. Her personal close encounter with loss helps her connect with mothers. When her son was critical as a result of an accident, she was surprised to see how many unconditionally loved and provided her support. “When my son got better, I promised myself that I would be there for mothers in this manner in their time of need,” she says. People never forget the loved one who has passed away, Herrera says, but knowing she helped make the pain of loss a little less for the families gives her the peace to continue. “I know that God uses us to touch the lives of these families,” says Herrera.

Families light candles and say the name of their loved ones who have passed away in remembrance at Sonora Regional Medical Center in Sonora, Calif.

John Henriques and Susan Dunlap got to know each other in Feather River Hospital’s bereavement program and recently got engaged.

Feather River Hospital Provides More friendships run deep. For one couple, it has even than Relief meant finding a new life partner. FRH, located in Northern California, provides the sensitive support that many hospitals provide but it also caters to those who are grieving and just need a group of friends. “There is no absolute right way of grieving,” says Sciligo. “Families often, meaning well, will tell their loved ones what to do, but the only person who knows what is best for them is the person who is grieving, and the best thing we can do is be good listeners and give them what they need. That is what we try to do here in Feather River Hospital.” Sciligo arranges social gatherings for the grieving to meet and get their mind away from their sorrows. A group of 50 or more meets weekly for brunch and occasionally goes on fieldtrips. The brunch is a grand affair with cheerful music, friends and laughter. “The scene looks much more like a high school reunion than a support group for those who have lost a loved one,” says Courtney Rasmussen, marketing coordinator at FRH. Sciligo believes that grief is made lighter with the love of friends and their support. Those who are part of the bereavement group at FRH don’t just get relief but gain lifelong friends. “Once a member, always a member,” says Sciligo. Some of the members of the group have been attending for five years or more, and the

“Losing a loved one is a very painful experience, but people surprise us with the strength they show,” says Sciligo. “With the support and love of friends, they go on with life. Seeing that twinkle return to their eyes makes what I do all worth it.”

The Grief Journey

Employees in charge of bereavement support groups face the difficult task of dealing with grief and mourning families every day. Grief is constant — even as one individual learns to cope with it, there is another facing fresh loss. “Nobody understands grief entirely or why these things happen,” says Herrera. “Tragedy respects no boundaries; it can strike anyone. All we can do is take the day as it comes and show empathetic love to one another.” Despite continually being in a space of grief, these employees seem content to be serving. Nelson states that this is because grieving is a spiritually uplifting experience. “Grief is in the center of a heart,” she says. “That is also where God resides. Sharing such an intimate moment with someone and God is always uplifting. We can’t wait for the day when Christ comes back and there is no more grief, but for now that is a very essential part of our personal growth.”

Divya Joseph March 2014

Loma Linda

hile many American hospitals consider themselves primarily as centers for disease treatment, Seventh-day Adventist health care from its earliest days has emphasized prevention and lifestyle medicine as part of its commitment to serving God through mind, body and soul. This tradition has existed at Loma Linda University Health since its beginnings in 1905 and is encompassed in the current LLUH branding campaign, “Live It.” “There is a great legacy and widespread passion surrounding health and wellness on our campus,” says Daniel Fontoura, MBA, vice president for wellness/chief wellness officer, LLUH. Fontoura recently assumed a new role as leader of the health and wellness initiative, a strategic priority for LLUH. “From our beginnings as an institution, we’ve studied and promoted wellness and prevention,” says Fontoura. “When it comes to disease prevention, health research and wellness programming, we should be a meaningful resource for people around the world who want to live a more abundant life.” When Richard Hart, M.D., Dr.P.H., president and CEO, LLUH, described the position to Fontoura he said, “What we need now is someone to help create a business model, organizing the many unique and important dimensions of whole-person health.”The challenge appealed to Fontoura. “My hope,” says Fontoura, “is to help LLUH unify and communicate our health message, improving access to LLUH resources for many who long for whole-person health — mind, body and spirit.”

LARRY KIDDER

Major Health and Wellness Initiative at LLUH Helps Others ‘Live It’

Daniel Fontoura, MBA, has taken on a new role as leader of a major wellness initiative on the combined Loma Linda University Health campuses.

FIVE GATES SCHOLARS CALL LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY HOME

ive School of Public Health students from Loma Linda University have been named Gates Millennium Scholars. The scholars program is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The program selects 1,000 students each Larry Kidder year to receive a good-through-graduation scholarship at any college or university of their choice. The Gates scholars who call Loma Linda University home are: • Aaron Matthew De Leon • Margarita Diaz • Aunamesha Tanganyikia Henley • Jamie Antwon Murkey • Rochelle Rose Tuttle

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Since its inception, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program has awarded a total of $1,096,771 to Loma Linda University. “We are fortunate to work in partnership with such distinguished institutions as Loma Linda University and are grateful for your continued support of the students we have in common,” wrote Larry Griffith, senior vice president of the United Negro College Fund, which administers the Gates program. In addition to financial support, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program provides personal and professional development to its students through leadership programs along with academic support.

Heather Reifsnyder

NANCY YUEN

Loma Linda

One thousand women from throughout Southern California attended the Loma Linda University Health Women’s Conference, held in the Ontario Convention Center on Jan. 17.

ou can be the CEO of your own and your family’s health,” was the message Joan Lunden, award-winning journalist, offered attendees of the sixth annual Loma Linda University Health Women’s Conference during her keynote address. The sold-out event, titled “Be You! Fit | Smart | Healthy,” was held Jan. 17 at the Ontario Convention Center. “We all have the power to change our lives,” Lunden challenged attendees, urging them to use the information and complimentary health tests available at the conference as a starting point on a path to better health. As she finished her keynote, the 1,000 women who had traveled from throughout Southern California to attend the event stood to their feet, applauding.

Health screenings and assessments available onsite included a body fat assessment sponsored by the Southern California Conference; and screenings for bone density, macular degeneration, oral cancer and stress. A lipid panel and glucose screening was sponsored by Women’s Ministries, General Conference, North American Division. Audiences were full for morning and afternoon breakout sessions led by experts on nutrition, exercise, cholesterol, weight loss, vision, organization, stress management and financial wellbeing, among others. During the sessions, experts answered questions and provided information that could be put into use immediately. “This event is all about being smart, healthy and confident women,” says Beverly Rigsby, MBA, service line director for women’s gynecological services at Loma Linda University Medical Center. “We want every woman to have the power to live a healthy and During the conference, Cathy Stockton, Annie Sellas and Nancy successful life, and we Varner, local community leaders and cancer survivors who hope the information founded Inland Women Fighting Cancer, were honoread for their extraordinary service and dedication to the community. and tools provided

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TODD ANTHONY PHOTOGRAPHY

Women Challenged To Be Fit, Smart, Healthy at LLUH Women’s Conference

During her keynote address, Joan Lunden, award-winning journalist, challenged attendees to become the CEOs of their own health.

during the conference will inspire them to be their absolute best.” The invigorating day included recognition ceremonies honoring Annie Sellas, Cathy Stockton and Nancy Varner, local community leaders and cancer survivors who founded Inland Women Fighting Cancer; and Kim Carter, who founded the Time for Change Foundation, which has helped more than 600 families make the transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

Nancy Yuen March 2014

Pacific Union College

acific Union College is collaborating with the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center (NVPAC) at Lincoln Theater in the inaugural year of the Orchestra Institute of Napa Valley Fellowship Program. This new partnership is helping PUC’s young musicians hone their talents while allowing graduate artists to pursue valuable teaching and performing experience. By serving as the primary sponsor and sole housing sponsor for the Orchestra Institute Napa Valley Fellowship Program, the ensembles and instrumentalists of the department of music are benefitting from a group of talented “artists-in-residence.” The Orchestra Institute Napa Valley Fellowship Program at the NVPAC is an innovative, tuitionfree, full-year performance and professionalgrowth program for the most exceptional postgraduate music and conservatory students in the country. The musicians enrolled in the program are provided tools to aid them in developing music careers in the 21st century: performance opportunities (including playing with the Symphony Napa Valley), service as musical ambassadors, development as self-managers, and the ability to provide music education. “We are delighted to have the Fellows on campus and hope that this partnership with NVPAC will continue as it is enriching our department and allowing us to take the study of music for the major and general student to the next level,” shares Rachelle Berthlesen Davis, chair of the department of music. The Fellows are already integrated with PUC’s campus and musical life. PUC is serving as the

residence for the Fellows, housing them in the College’s Brookside and providing access to the facilities of Paulin Hall, home to the department of music. By supporting and collaborating with the department of music at PUC, the campus is benefitting from professional artists with incredible talent and skill. “PUC is one of the Orchestra Institute Napa Valley Fellowship’s strongest partnerships, because not only are we serving as teaching artists in the music department, we are also living on campus in the PUC community,” says Glenda Bates, an oboist for the Fellows and PUC’s jazz ensemble director. “We are gaining valuable teaching experience at a critical time in our careers, and the music students have the opportunity to learn from professional musician performers.” Walter E. Collins, PUC’s vice president for advancement, has spent much of his career working with professional orchestras and understands the cultural capital created by the new partnership with NVPAC. “Hosting the Orchestra Fellows on the PUC campus has been a blessing. Our campus and community has been inspired by their worldclass performances,” Collins shares. The practice habits and presence of the Fellows are energizing Paulin Hall. The Fellows participate in PUC’s major instrumental ensembles and perform at college functions. They also have an impact on smaller groups as they give demonstrations, lectures and recitals. Percussionist James Deitz, who has taught in programs at Carnegie Hall, The Julliard School, and The Weill Music Institute, has started a percussion ensemble and is teaching a percussion methods/techniques class; oboist Bates, a doctoral candidate at Stony Brook University, is building and directing a jazz ensemble; Sadie Glass, who An official session of the constituent membership of Pacific Union recently completed her College will be held in PUC’s Fireside Room on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 master’s degree at the (One Angwin Avenue, Angwin, CA 94508). This special session is called to University of Illinois at consider changes to the Pacific Union College Bylaws. The meeting will Urbana-Champaign, adjourn at or before 5:30 p.m. is teaching music Ricardo B. Graham, Chair majors; and Jennifer Heather J. Knight, Secretary Hunt, a flautist who

Notice of Special Constituency Session

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ALLISON REGAN

Orchestra Institute Fellows Provide Energy and Expertise to PUC Performers

Orchestra Institute Fellow and virtuoso clarinet performer Matthew Boyles provides one-on-one instruction to a PUC student musician.

has been featured on National Public Radio and was a second-place winner at the Music Teachers’ National Association Chamber Music Competition, leads flute sectionals for the college’s orchestra. “The Orchestra Institute Fellows are providing our students with learning opportunities they might not be exposed to otherwise, and giving the music majors an opportunity to connect with musicians who have recently graduated with advanced degrees from some of the most prestigious music schools in the country,” Davis states. Living at Pacific Union College provides a unique environment for the Fellows as well, one that is helping them hone their talents as performers, musical ambassadors and educators. “The environment of PUC values the fundamental knowledge that leads to learning how to learn,” shares percussionist Deitz. “The students and fellow faculty seem like a team that propels the musical art form even further.” “This important collaboration further underscores PUC’s commitment to the finest arts, and firmly places our college on the international musical map. We look forward to a growing partnership with the Orchestra Institute Napa Valley as we expand our community presence through the arts,” concludes Collins.

Emily Mathe and James Shim

La Sierra University

Weniger Society Honors La Sierra Education Professor and Alumnus

Emmerson left his nine-year career as a California state legislator in December 2013. He now handles state relations and advocacy for the California Hospital Association in Sacramento. PreviBill Emmerson, former California State Senator and a ously, he emulated 1967 graduate from La Sierra, and Elissa Kido, professor his father’s path and of education in the School of Education, received Charles H. Weniger Awards for Excellence for 2014. pursued a career in dentistry, specializing in orthodontia. He attended La Sierra University and graduated from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1980. During 26 years of private practice in Hemet, Emmerson entered the world of legislation and politics by chairing the California Dental Association’s Council on Legislation and its Political Action Committee. In 2004, he was elected to the California State Assembly and then to the California State Senate in 2010 during a special election. Charles Weniger was a long-time friend of Bill Emmerson’s parents, Clinton and Patricia Emmerson. Clinton Emmerson, along with Congressman Jerry Pettis and John Osborn, founded the Weniger Society in 1974, 10 years after Weniger’s death. Weniger, a beloved Seventh-day Adventist educator known by many as “Uncle Charlie,” served as an English professor and later as dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., and Michigan from 1948 to 1961. He was known for his kindness, expertise, broad professional influence and dedication to excellence. The society was founded for the purposes of honoring those who exemplify Weniger’s humility, character and commitment. The Weniger Society also posthumously honored Australian theologian and historian Arthur Patrick, noted for his insight into denominational academic issues and for his significant contributions to Avondale College. Over the course of 17 years, his work there included serving as director of the Ellen G. White/Seventh-day Adventist Research Centre, and later as honorary senior research fellow. Patrick died last year following a battle with cancer. The biennial Constituent Membership of La Sierra University will Each year, the Weniger Society selects individuals to receive the Weniger convene at the Zapara School of Business Troesh Conference Center, 4500 medallion. The society this year initiated the annual Weniger Fellows Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside, on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at 1 p.m. Student Scholarship for students attending accredited North American The purpose of the meeting is (1) to receive reports from the University Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities. The scholarship is matched and its auditor, (2) to amend the Bylaws, (3) to appoint Trustees as or exceeded by the student’s school. Weniger scholarship recipients specified by the Bylaws, and (4) to transact such other business as may be must demonstrate excellence in spirituality, academics, civic service and submitted by the Board of Trustees. leadership. Ricardo B. Graham, Chair Randal Wisbey, Secretary Darla Martin Tucker LARRY BECKER

rom a statistical point of view, it was highly improbable that an in-depth, comprehensive study on Seventh-day Adventist education would transpire, much less lead to a PBS documentary on the matter. And yet, the four-year CognitiveGenesis project, directed by La Sierra University education professor Elissa Kido, surveyed nearly 52,000 K-12 students at 800 Adventist schools around the United States, Canada and Bermuda. The results proved the substantive benefits of an Adventist education and ultimately led to the documentary, “The Blueprint: The Story of Adventist Education,” airing on PBS this April. Kido noted the improbability of such events, described their backstory, and showed a trailer of the PBS film during a keynote address for the 2014 Charles E. Weniger Society Annual Awards. The ceremony was held at Loma Linda University Church on Jan. 18 and included a concert by the renowned Wedgwood Trio with violinist Christina Thompson, a 2012 La Sierra University graduate in music performance. The society honored Kido along with La Sierra alumnus and former California State Senator Bill Emmerson, for their contributions to their communities, the church and the broader world. In addition to leading the CognitiveGenesis research project, Kido directs the Center for Research on K-12 Adventist Education, or CRAE, at La Sierra. Her background includes academic administrative posts at several universities and colleges, including St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y., and Webster University in St. Louis, Mo. Kido’s academic career, which includes degrees in English and biology and a doctorate from Boston University, encompasses significant fundraising achievements. She raised $1 million for the CognitiveGenesis project at La Sierra. “I’m deeply grateful and also humbled” to receive the Weniger award, said Kido during her address. “This also really honors Adventist education.” Emmerson learned several months ago that he had been selected for a Weniger award. “I was thrilled,” he said following the ceremony. “I’d known Dr. Weniger my entire life. My father was active with the society for years and so this was truly an honor.”

Notice of La Sierra University Constituency Meeting

March 2014

Union News / Church State Council

Remembering Rita Hoshino

n Feb. 10, 2014, Rita Hoshino, mentor to thousands of students at Pacific Union College and Mountain View Academy, passed away unexpectedly from complications of kidney disease and pneumonia. She was 58. Hoshino, who grew up in Sunnyvale, Calif., is a graduate of Miramonte Christian School, Mountain View Academy and Pacific Union College. Hoshino began working at the college immediately after graduation. She eventually oversaw the Campus Center and Student Association, working closely with campus clubs and students leaders. During her 23 years of service at PUC, Rita was a beloved mentor and friend to thousands of students. She had a vivid memory and remembered names and details about everyone she met, earning her the nickname “Rita Rolodex.”

Rita Hoshino was known far and wide for both her years mentoring students at Pacific Union College and for her hobby of portraying Ellen G. White.

Following her career at PUC, Hoshino was the alumni/advancement director at MVA. It was after this that Hoshino began investing in what was only a hobby before: portraying Ellen

G. White. She created The Ellen White Legacy, a ministry devoted to sharing White’s work through dramatic enactments. Hoshino’s portrayal of Mrs. White took her across the nation, bringing “Ellen” back to life for events such as the St. Helena Hospital’s 125th anniversary celebration, the Hiram Edson Farm dedication, Loma Linda University Hospital’s centennial anniversary, and the 2010 General Conference session in Atlanta, Ga. She was also a favorite at Pathfinder camporees, church services and camp meetings. Hoshino is survived by her brother Dennis Hoshino, niece Laren James and nephew Brent West-Hoshino.

Julie Lee

Adventist Attorneys Convene in Monterey for 19th Year

dventist attorneys have been meeting together since at least the 1970s. The Adventist Attorneys Association, which formed in the early 1990s, has been meeting regularly ever since. About 50 Adventist attorneys met in Monterey, Calif., in November for a four-day conference, balancing professional development with social and networking opportunities and powerful inspiration from guest preacher Smuts Van Rooyen. The two Monterey area Adventist churches worked together to welcome the visitors. The older Adventist attorneys share the bond of having had to battle cultural norms within the church that questioned whether law was a suitable profession for a Christian. Younger attorneys don’t face such skepticism, at least not routinely. Many of these attorneys serve the church directly in some capacity. Kent Hansen, who serves as General Counsel for Loma Linda University and Loma Linda Medical Center, has been president of the association for the past two-year term. The president for the next two-year term is Geoffrey Hayton, a former academy principal currently

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serving at Adventist Risk Management. Many others do not work directly for the church, but maintain practices in everything from criminal law to family law, immigration, personal injury, etc. This year’s conference featured a four-hour seminar on current religious freedom issues, highlighting challenges faced both by religious freedom and free speech. Kerry Heinrich briefed the group on the difficult issues related to the Affordable Care Act facing Adventist hospitals. Tom Wetmore, from the General Conference, presented proposed changes in the tax laws regarding political activity by churches. Carol Adams organized a panel to address the elimination of bias in the legal profession and legal ethics. Judge Marla Anderson stressed the importance of demeanor and courtesy in the practice of law. One of the goals of the association is to encourage one another spiritually, including encouraging students to integrate Christ into their professional lives. Law school is a difficult environment for students. The time pressures tend to crowd out spiritual pursuits unless deliberate efforts are made to include time for worship and fellowship.

In addition to the annual conferences, last year, the association sponsored meetings in Vallejo and Loma Linda. Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, author of AB 1964, the Workplace Religious Freedom Act, spoke to the Vallejo group. About two dozen attended a reception in her honor. In Loma Linda, attendees enjoyed a reception honoring Dr. John Graz, director of public affairs and religious liberty for the General Conference. Additional events are being planned for 2014. Upcoming annual conferences are planned for Sacramento in September 2014 and Hawaii in 2015. The 2014 conference will coincide with a banquet to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Church State Council, whose director, Alan Reinach, serves as permanent secretary/treasurer of the association. All who work in the legal field, including paralegals, court reporters, legal secretaries, etc., are welcome to participate in the Adventist Attorneys Association. For more info: ajreinach@churchstate.org.

Alan J. Reinach, Esq.

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C ALENDARS

Central California PATHFINDER BIBLE EXPERIENCE (March 1) Conference level. Info: Sandra, 559-347-3174.

Band (March 15) 8 p.m. Hole Memorial Auditorium. Info: 951-785-2036.

HAM RADIO RALLY (March 2) Central California Conference. Info: Marlyn, 559-347-3142.

FESTIVAL OF ONE ACTS (March 1, 2, 6, 8, and 9) 8 p.m. each evening, Matheson Hall. Student talent is showcased in an evening of one-act plays featuring student directors and actors. Info: 951-785-2241, drama@lasierra.edu.

PRAYER CONFERENCE (March 7-8) Mountain View Central church. Info: Joyce Mulligan, 559-696-3692.

SPRING BREAK (March 21-30) To enroll for Spring quarter classes, call 800-874-5587.

“LET MUSIC BE THY MEDICINE” (March AFRICAN-AMERICAN TEEN RETREAT 1) An exciting, new concert seminar (March 7-9) Camp Wawona. Info: Wanda, presented by Lydia Calhoun at the Paradise 559-347-3169. Valley church, 2727 E. Cactus, Phoenix, 6-7:15 p.m. Info: www.LetMusicBeThyHISPANIC CENTRAL VALLEY CONMedicine.com. VOCATION (March 8-9) Central Valley Adventist Academy, Ceres. Info: Pastor RAW FOODS POTLUCK SUPPER (March Carlos Garcia, 209-345-4878. 8) Central church, 777 W Montecito, Phoenix, 6:30 p.m. Newcomers — Please bring CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TRAINING a vegetable or fruit salad without dressing. (March 15) Focus on the understanding For recipe ideas, visit www.hacres.com. and caring for kids of divorced and single Info: stanhowerton@yahoo.com or call parent families. Info: Rosa, 559-347-3183. 480-430-5492. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TRAINING CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TRAINING (March 16) Info: Rosa, 559-347-3183. (March 9) Arizona Conference Office, 13405 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 9 PRISON MINISTRY CONVOCATION a.m.-12:30 p.m. Training is for everyone (March 22) Fresno Westside church. involved with children’s ministry; VBS Info: Daniel McManus, 804-495-5503; workshop 1:30-4:30 p.m. Guest presenter, apmoa7@hotmail.com. Melanie Cruz, NAD asst. director for Children’s Ministries. Info: Cynthia Marin, HEALTH TRAINING WORKSHOP 480-991-6777, ext. 117. (March 22) Areas 4 and 5. Info: Marlyn, 559-347-3142. WOMEN’S MINI-RETREAT (March 9) Features Marie Fisher, author of “My Jour- HISPANIC CAMPAIGNS (March 29-April ney with Jesus, from Victim to Vessel.” 9 6) Info: Florina, 559-347-3144. a.m. Paradise Valley church, 2727 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix. Info: 602-935-6010. PATHFINDER BIBLE EXPERIENCE (March 29) Union level. Info: Sandra, HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR (March 559-347-3174. 9) 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Kiwanis Park, Tempe. Free glucose, blood pressure, BMI PRISON MINISTRY TRAINING (March screenings, cholesterol screenings, health 29) Clovis church, 3-6 p.m. Info: Marlyn, consultations, and massage. Learn how 559-347-3142. to combat diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity. Cooking and TREASURER AND CLERK TRAINING natural remedy demonstrations for busy (March 30) Info: clerks, Debbie 559-347families and free food. Bounce house and 3194; treasurers, Claudia, 559-347-3196. arts and crafts for the kids. Info: health@ tempeadventist.com or Mary Coursey, GOD’S GIRLS GETAWAY (April 4-6) 321-287-8708. Sonora church. Info: Rosa, 559-347-3183.

FIRST SERVICE WORSHIP Fridays at 8 p.m. at the LSU church. Info: 951-785-2090.

Arizona 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION of Adventists in Mesa, Ariz. (Feb. 28-March 1) Hosted by Mesa Palms church. Gospel Harmony Concert, Friday, 7 p.m. King’s Heralds concert Sabbath, 5 p.m. Info: 480985-3140; Facebook: Mesa Palms church; website: mesapalmschurch.com.

ADVENTIST WESTPOINT (April 20-23) Innovative strategies and training for church growth, Arizona Golf Resort, Mesa. Pastors, chaplains, evangelists, departmental leaders and administrators, students, local church lay leaders, and all church members are invited to attend. Info: 805-413-7254 or www.adventistwestpoint.org. LAUGHLIN MOTORCYCLE RIVER RUN (April 26) Worship at the Bullhead City church, stay for a haystack lunch and enjoy the planned motorcycle River Run in the afternoon. RSVP by April 22 by text 503348-9985 or e-mail timcar4@gmail.com.

HEALTH TRAINING WORKSHOP (April 5) Areas 6 through 8. Info: Marlyn, 559-347-3142. SCHOOL IN DISCIPLESHIP (April 9) 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Info: Rosa, 559-347-3183. TEEN GIRLS RETREAT (April 11-13) Camp Wawona. Info: Lindsay, 209-743-6155.

Northern California Conference

Drive. Honor classes: graduation years ending with “4” and “9” from all eras — PJA, PAS and PAA. Every former student and every former staff member invited! Info: www.mypaa.net or Linda Corbit, 530-877-9610. CONCERT (March 8) 5 p.m. Lodi Fairmont church, 730 South Fairmont Ave. Ralph and Terry Bain. Info: 209-334-1844. NCC WELLNESS WEEKEND (March 7-9) Leoni Meadows. Speakers: Katia Reinert, NAD health ministries director, and Don Hall, Wellsource and LifeLong Health founder. Local church health leaders and teams encouraged to attend. Info: Health Ministries Department, 925-603-5073, www.nccsda.com/vibranthealthministry.

NCC PRAYER RETREAT (March 14-16) Leoni Meadows. Guest presenter S. Joseph NCC JUNIOR HIGH Choral Festival (March Kidder, professor of Christian ministry at 4) 7 p.m. Hilltop Christian School, 2200 the SDA Theological Seminary. Music by Country Hills Drive, Antioch. Clinicians John Rochelle Holman. Prayer time, fellowship, Gilley, Rochelle White, Arlene Wong. Info: new friends, prayer partners, beautiful Education Department, 925-603-5065. atmosphere. Info: Naomi Parson, nparson0@gmail.com, 916-955-4583, www. NCC SENIOR HIGH Choral Festival (March nccsda.com/prayerretreat. 5) 7 p.m. Hilltop Christian School, 2200 Country Hills Drive, Antioch. Clinician RETIRO DE DAMAS (March 21-23) Leoni Stephen Zork. Info: Education Department, Meadows. Hispanic Women’s Retreat with 925-603-5065. speaker Elizabeth Talbot. Programs for young women and girls: Lizeth Hernandez PARADISE ADVENTIST ACADEMY (ages 15-21); Christina Dena (ages 9-14). Homecoming (March 7-9) 5699 Academy Music by Marisol Monarres. Info: Hispanic

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La Sierra University MUSIC DEPARTMENT EVENTS: The Wind Ensemble (March 1) 7:30 p.m.; the Orchestra (March 8) 7:30 p.m.; and the Big March 2014

Advertisments Ministries Department, 925-603-5092, www.nccsda.com/hispanicministries (click Eventos). CENTRAL VALLEY KOREAN church dedication (March 22) 11 a.m. 525 Yosemite Avenue, Manteca. Info: church office, 209-239-3568. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TRAINING (March 30) 11 a.m.-1 p.m. NCC Headquarters, 401 Taylor Blvd., Pleasant Hill. This year’s featured program: “Investigation Station: Galactic Quest.” Get ideas to run a successful VBS! Info: 925-603-5082. MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER (April 4-6) Sacramento-area hotel. For couples wanting to deepen and strengthen their marriage. Info: Rob & Debbie Purvis, 530-622-4798.

Pacific Union College MUSICA PACIFICA CONCERT (March 1) 7 p.m. Paulin Hall. One of America’s premier baroque ensembles presents a concert featuring music by J.S. Bach and his sons. Info: 707-965-6201. LINCOLN THEATER FELLOWS Chamber Concert (March 2) 7 p.m. Paulin Hall. A recital by a group of the best post-graduate musicians from around the world, who are housed on campus. Info: 707-965-6201.

ONE CHURCH (March 8) 11:15 a.m. PUC church sanctuary. Lead Pastor Mark Witas speaks for this special Sabbath’s single service. Info: 707-965-7297. CHORAL CONCERT (March 8) 4 p.m. Paulin Hall. PUC’s Chorale and I Cantori perform a sacred concert under the direction of Bruce Rasmussen. Info: 707-965-6201. ORCHESTRA CONCERT (March 8) 7 p.m. Paulin Hall. PUC’s 45-piece orchestra performs its annual winter concert under the direction of Dr. Rachelle Berthelsen Davis. Info: 707-965-6201. SYMPHONIC WIND ENSEMBLE Concert (March 9) 4 p.m., Paulin Hall. Conducted by artist in residence Asher Raboy, presents their annual winter concert. Info: 707-965-6201. MISSION TRIPS (March 21) Student mission trips to Brazil, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Arizona depart. Info: 707-965-7190. SPRING VACATION (March 21-30) Info: 800-862-7080. SPRING QUARTER BEGINS (March 31) Info: 800-862-7080 or enroll@puc.edu. ALBION RETREAT and Learning Center (ongoing) Comfortable lodging for visitors and groups available along

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the Mendocino Coast. Perfect for classes, retreats, reunions, weddings, or vacations. Info: www.puc.edu/albion or 707-937-5440.

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Southeastern California

KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE (March 9) 10 a.m.-12 p.m. San Fernando Valley Academy, 17601 Lassen St., Northridge 91325. Info: 818-349-1373.

SAN DIEGO ACADEMY Alumni Weekend (March 7-9) Friday vespers 7 p.m., Paradise Valley church; Sabbath worship 10 a.m. (9:15 a.m. alumni check-in) San Diego Academy gymnasium; alumni games Saturday night and Sunday. Dick Duerksen, class of ’64, will be the featured speaker. Info: 619-267-9550.

“I NEED HELP!” (March 16) Who to turn to for help when you can no longer manage by yourself; 9 a.m. Sunday Brunch Seminar, presenter, James Brown, MBA, CSPG, president, Western Adventist Foundation. Scholl Canyon Estates, 1551 E. Chevy Chase Dr., Glendale 91206. Info: 818-546-8400.

Southern California Conference THE SECOND SATURDAY Concert Series (March 8) 4 p.m. presents the Jewel City Flute Choir. Reception to follow. Freewill donations received at the door. Glendale City church, 610 E. California Ave. Info: 818-244-7241, www.glendalecitychurch. org. CHEF MARK ANTHONY’S Free Dinner and message (March 9) 3 p.m. Live vegetarian/vegan cooking demonstration. Donations greatly appreciated for food/ travel expenses. Camarillo church, 3975 Las Posas Rd. Info: 805-482-4632; Office@

L.A. ADVENTIST FORUM (March 29) 3 p.m. “Present Truth in Music.” Speaker, Herbert Blomstedt, emeritus conductor of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor of Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and many world symphony/philharmonic orchestras. Chapel of the Good Shepherd, Glendale City church, 610 E. California Ave. Info: 818-244-7241. HEALTH FAIR (March 30) 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Blood tests, pap smears, mammograms, nutrition presentation, health seminars and more. Central Spanish church parking lot (1366 S. Alvarado St., Los Angeles 90006), co-sponsored with West Hollywood, Hollywood and Silver Lake Spanish churches. Info: 213-381-1905.

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ADVENTIST HEALTH SYSTEM is seeking a law student for a 6-to-8 week summer clerkship in 2014. This position is limited to students who have finished only one year of law school. Ideal candidates would be in the top 25% of their class. Duties include legal research and other projects. Please send résumé and transcript to david.gordon@ahss.org.

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ELMSHAVEN HISTORIAN/CARETAKER: The Pacific Union Conference is currently in need of a Historian in Residence/Caretaker for Elmshaven,

the Ellen G. White home in St. Helena, California. This position requires an interest and understanding of Ellen G. White’s life and writings and the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The qualified individual should be physically active, have good communication skills and grounds and maintenance abilities. Please contact Stephen Mayer, Pacific Union Conference, P.O. Box 5005, Westlake Village, CA 91359; stephen@ puconline.org; 805-413-7218. SOUTHWESTERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY Kinesiology Department seeks full-time physical education professor beginning July 1, 2014. Master’s degree required; doctoral degree preferred, must have college teaching experience. Please submit curriculum vitae and cover letter to Human Resources at www.swau.edu. For further information, please contact Mr. Vesa Naukkarinen, 817-202-6684 or vnaukkar@swau.edu.

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Reunions BAKERSFIELD ADVENTIST ACADEMY (April 11-12) Honoring classes in years ending with 4 or 9. April 11: vespers at 6 p.m. April 12: reunion at 10 a.m. Lunch provided. Call school office at 661-871-1591. LODI ACADEMY ALUMNI Reunion (April 11-13) Friday evening fellowship, 7:30 p.m. Pastor Walt Groff, speaker, Sabbath worship, 10:30 a.m., registration, 9:30 a.m. Alumni Golf Tournament on Sunday. Honor classes: ‘04 and ‘09. Info: at www.lodiacademy.net or call 209-368-2781. MONTEREY BAY ACADEMY 64th Alumni Weekend (April 24-27) Friday, 15th Annual Golf Classic; Sabbath worship speaker Dick Duerksen, ball games; Sunday, complimentary 49ers brunch for classes 1950-1964. Visit alumni.montereybayacademy.org for all weekend details or call the Alumni Office, 831-728-1481, ext. 1222.

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Advertisments David Hardt; daughters, Nancy Elloway, Susie Streelman; ten grandchildren.

Ross; five grandchildren; stepsister, Julia Stewart.

BAILEY, WANDA (NEWCOMB) – b. Jan. 13, 1948, Oneida, N.Y.; d. Dec. 23, 2013, Rocklin, Calif. Survivors: husband, George; son, Robert, two grandchildren. Served as a nurse in Adventist Health and home health care.

HARTWICK, WILTON – b. June 13, 1933, Maui, Hawaii; d. Dec. 28, 2013, Lodi, Calif. Survivors: wife, Betty Rae; sons, David, Frank; daughter, Millie Nightwalker; sister, Naona Monroe; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Served as a dentist.

MCCLOSKEY, RALPH M. – b. Sept. 21, 1921, Oakland, Calif.; d. Nov. 29, 2013, Meridian, Idaho, Survivors: wife, Karen; sons, Bruce, Craig, Jonathan; one grandson.

Correction: BOBST, RICHARD T. – b. Feb. 24, 1962, Boise, Idaho; d. July 1, 2013, Yucca Valley, Calif. Survivors: son, Richard; mother, Marilynn; sister, Kathy; grandmother, Janet Bobst.

HUANTE, GUADALUPE – b. Nov. 16, 1929, Oxnard, Calif.; d. Dec. 6, 2013, Santa Maria, Calif. Survivors: wife, Nellie; son, Steve; daughter, Caroline Pitman; two grandchildren.

CLARK, HAROLD FENTON – b. May 26, 1921, Clive, Alberta, Canada; d. Oct. 15, 2013, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Aileen Luddington; sons, Vincent, Edgar, Richard; daughters, Phyllis Slattery, Rachel Byrd; 14 grandchildren; 15 greatgrandchildren. Served as academy and elementary school teacher.

KELLY, SYLVIA FAY (RUHL) – b. Jan. 1, 1918, Streeter, N.D.; d. Dec. 24, 2013, Placerville, Calif. Survivors: son, Gerald Roberts; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren.

AT REST

MCCULLOCH, JAMES – b. Sept. 23, 1932, Walla Walla, Wash.; d. Nov. 25, 2013, Bakersfield, Calif. Survivors: daughter, Toni Nickell; five grandchildren. MEMBRILA, MARTIN – b. Nov. 9, 1964, Mexico; d. May 26, 2013, Standford, Calif. Survivor: wife, Maria. MUIR, DOROTHY E. (JOHNSON) – b. June 12, 1922, Fresno, Calif.; d. Nov. 22, 2013, Napa, Calif. Survivors: daughters, Jennifer Goss, Rebecca; one grandchild.

OSHITA, WINIFRED S. (NAKAMOTO) KINZER SR., NEWTON SCOTT – b. Aug. – b. April 9, 1916, Hilo, Hawaii; d. 3, 1925, Meadows of Dan, Va.; d. Nov. Dec. 15, 2013, Monterey Park, Calif. COWAN, JULIE (BRANDZIG) – b. May 23, 2013, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: Survivors: sons, Gordon, Roy; daughter, 30, 1960, Salt Lake City, Utah; d. Aug. wife, Helen; son, Bud; daughters, Jeanne Joanne Chang; two grandchildren, 10 4, 2013 Bakersfield, Calif. Survivors: Murdoch, Tricia Stagg; five grandchildren; great-grandchildren; brother, Masao; husband, Joseph; sons, Jeremy Clayborn, three great-grandchildren. sisters, Amy Obata, Ethel Inaba. Served Mark Clayborn, Joeyn, Will, David; daughas a teacher, Hawaiian Mission Academy, ters, Marcella, Merrie; 23 grandchildren. KOEHLER, STEVEN EDWARD – b. principal San Gabriel Academy and May 18, 1939, Stockton, Calif.; d. Dec. elementary. HARDT-MAUTZ, FLOGEAN (JEAN) – b. 27, 2013, Auburn, Calif. Survivors: wife, Jan. 15, 1930, Estelline, Texas; d. Dec. 6, Karen Lanette; son, Mark; daughters, PEARSON, DEAN ELSTON – b. June 2013, Paradise, Calif. Survivors: husband, Michelle Mills, Kim Cawdery, Stacie 14, 1964, Los Angeles, Calif.; d. Jan. 2, Richard “Dick” Mautz; sons, Don Hardt, 2014, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Alicia; parents, Don and Ann; brother, Sean; sisters, Monica, Kari Nightingale. Science teacher at La Sierra Academy for “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” 21.5 years. - Exodus 20:8 RAY, RUTH – b. May 31, 1918, Caldwell, Idaho; d. May 30, 2013, Stockton, Calif. Survivors: son, William; 3/7 3/14 3/21 3/28 daughter, Carol Harper; two grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two Alturas 6:00 7:08 7:16 7:24 great-great-grandchildren. Angwin 6:10 7:17 7:23 7:30

SUNSETS

Calexico Chico Eureka Fresno Hilo Honolulu Las Vegas Lodi Loma Linda Los Angeles Moab Oakland Phoenix Reno Riverside Sacramento Salt Lake City San Diego San Francisco San Jose Tucson

5:44 6:50 6:55 7:00 6:07 7:14 7:21 7:28 6:15 7:23 7:30 7:38 6:00 7:06 7:12 7:18 6:28 6:30 6:32 6:34 6:38 6:40 6:43 6:45 5:41 6:48 6:54 7:00 6:05 7:12 7:19 7:25 5:51 6:56 7:02 7:07 5:55 7:01 7:06 7:12 6:17 7:24 7:30 7:37 6:09 7:16 7:22 7:28 6:30 6:35 6:41 6:46 5:59 7:06 7:13 7:20 5:51 6:57 7:02 7:08 6:06 7:12 7:19 7:26 6:26 7:34 7:41 7:49 5:51 6:56 7:01 7:06 6:10 7:17 7:23 7:29 6:08 7:14 7:21 7:27 6:26 6:31 6:36 6:41

SMITH, BERNICE – b. Feb. 3, 1934, Longview, Texas; Nov. 18, 2013, Modesto, Calif. Survivors: daughters, Kristy Mabee, Karen Puckett; four grandchildren. REHBERG, SUSAN (REED) – b. Dec. 3, 1910, Warren County, Ind.; d. Jan. 10, 2014, Temple City, Calif. Survivor: daughter, Sharon Chapman. RENICK, LEVI “LEE” LAVONE – b. Feb. 26, 1918, Liberal, Kan.; d. Dec. 18, 2013, Acampo, Calif. Survivor: wife, Lillian. TRAINOR JR., EARL I. – b. March 27, 1939, Los Angeles, Calif.; d. May 30, 2013, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Helen Dorchuck Shaffer; sons, Ben Ceceila, Eric; daughter, Wendy; stepsons, Dennis Shaffer; stepdaughters, Sheila Wigderson, Cynthia Shaffer; four grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; mother, Beth. VILLAROSA, FILIPINA QUIMING (ORELLANO) – b. Aug. 28, 1926, Leyte Province, Philippines; d. Jan. 20, 2014,

Antioch, Calif. Survivors: husband, Edwin; son, Frank Quiming; stepson, Edwin Jr.; stepdaughters, Fern Philippaerst, Karen; 24 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. WALLACE, EVELYN EDWINA (KRAFT) – b. Jan. 9, 1922, Tokyo, Japan; d. Dec. 9, 2013, St. Helena, Calif. Survivors: son, Stephen; daughter, Karen; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Served the church in Vietnam, the Philippines, Africa, and Pacific Union College; as an elementary school teacher and church musician. WEBBER, HARRY V. – b. Dec. 2, 1923, Glendale, Calif.; d. Dec. 20, 2013, Modesto, Calif. Survivors: daughters, Cherie Gamboa, Linda Wittrup, Jeanie Adair; two grandchildren. WRIGHT, RUBEN – b. Sept. 28, 1950, Los Angeles, Calif.; d. Sept. 29, 2013, Los Angeles, Calif. Survivors: wife, Coralia; stepsons, Oscar Velasquez, Jose Velasquez; two step-grandchildren.

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March 2014

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VISIONS OF PARADISE

MARCH 2014

| NEWS, INFORMATION AND INSPIRATION FOR THE HAWAII CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

PAGE 2 | The Hawaii Conference has launched a new website where you’ll fi d tons of useful info. Also, Mauna Loa K/1st kids read 700+ books in the five weeks before Christmas — wow!

PAGE 3 | Ralph Watts III is celebrating eight years as president of the Hawaii Conference. Time flies when you’re having fun! Read what he has to say about the time spent in paradise.

PAGE 4 | Too many people (7 out of 10!) put off making a will until it’s too late. Be one of the three!

PUT GOD AND THE KINGDOM FIRST

BY GERRY CHRISTMAN, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Aloha, Hawaii Conference Ohana, New plans and budgets have bridged the old year into the new. We rejoice that 2013 brought a 4.68 percent tithe increase for the year. God has blessed His people along with a growing faithfulness to Him. For this we thank God. Additional tithe resources enable the Hawaii Conference to continue enlarging God’s Kingdom by stretching out its curtains, lengthening its cords and strengthening its stakes (Isaiah 54:2). The Hawaii Conference treasurer will provide you with some accounting snapshots in his column. My purpose here is to elaborate on stewardship in God’s Kingdom. God, through His prophet, says that the tithe is His (Malachi 3:8-12). I, for one, don’t like the idea of paying tithe. I, for sure, pay my taxes — but I return tithe. God allows you and me to determine the amount of our offerings, but He established that tithe is 10 percent. In a sense, we only begin giving to God once we have returned our tithe. Our offerings, then, become expressions of our love for God.

My mother taught me how to write my name long before I went to school. I can remember the thrill of writing my name on many of the things that belonged to me. It gave me a sense of ownership. Real problems can ensue, however, when this childhood habit is carried into our adult lives; when we engrave our names on things God claims to be exclusively His. God calls it robbery. Many today incorporate a business model in their finances. A business model seeks to maximize profits in order to increase income and lower expenses; to buy low and to sell high; to gain the most and to give the least. Business models have their place; they stress goals, planning, budgeting and efficiency. Business models have much to offer — but they do not reflect the primary teachings of Scripture. Jesus modeled the Kingdom of God — and so should we. Christians who follow a business model will first pay their bills and then return tithe and give offerings — if there is any money left over. This, however, is not the way of God’s Kingdom. God commands that we put Him

first, even when it appears there are not sufficient resources to cover all of our earthly needs. God invites you and me to be His financial partners. We are to serve God’s Kingdom — not our own. My prayer is that this year will be a special year for God’s Kingdom throughout the Hawaiian Islands; that you and I will be faithful to Him; and that we will trust Him with our time, possessions and resources. Let’s give to God what is right — not what is left. If the ways of God’s Kingdom don’t appeal to us now, what makes us think they will throughout eternity?

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Hawaii Conference Launches New Website

BY JESSE SEIBEL

2014 Youth Event Calendar

Here’s a list of all the exciting things coming this year!

The Hawaii Conference has officially launched its new website at www.hawaiisda.com.

APRIL 4-6: Youth Bible Camp @ Camp Waianae JUNE 22-27: Camp H50 (Ages 13+)

Here you will find: 1. Calendars of department, school and church events;

JULY 4: Pathfinder Parade @ Kailua

2. Conference event registration;

JULY 13-18: Extreme Camp (Ages 12-14)

3. A digital copy of Hoike, our bimonthly conference newsletter;

JULY 20-25: Camp Exodus (Ages 15+)

JULY 6-11: Adventure Camp (Ages 8-12)

AUG. 11-17: Pathfinder International Camporee @ Oshkosh, Wisc.

4. Interactive maps of churches and schools, including contact information;

OCT. 5: Pathfinder Fair @ Kapilolani Park OCT. 17-19: Big Island Youth Retreat

5. List of conference employees and department descriptions;

NOV. 7-9: Pathfinder Honor Camp @ Camp Waianae

6. Up-to-date pictures of our employees and members in action; and more!

DEC. 6: Youth Church

READING FOR JESUS BY SAMANTHA FUNES

The Mauna Loa School is laying a solid foundation for reading so that, in time, children can study the Word of God. Beginning five weeks before winter break, teacher Samantha Funes challenged kindergarten and first-grade students to read a total of 700 books before vacation. For each book, students handed in slips of paper with parent signatures, title, author and illustrator information. These papers formed a chain encircling the room as it grew. Students read books from their classrooms, the public library, the Bible and other sources. On the last day before break, the classes still needed more than 100 more entries to make their goal. They prayed over the final batch of papers; it didn’t look like there would be enough entries to make it to 700. To their surprise, the final count that morning reached 726. Teachers, parents and students agreed that it felt like when Jesus fed the 5,000. They class enjoyed a party to celebrate their achievement.

Samantha Funes, Mauna Loa School kindergarten/first grade teacher, is a recent addition to the Hawaii Conference team of Adventist educators. She was baptized into the Hilo church in November 2012 and since then has dedicated her teaching talents to Christian education. She was a highly esteemed elementary teacher and reading specialist for the Hawaii District Public Schools for many years. In 2010, Funes was named “Teacher of the Year” by the Hawaii District Public Schools. She praises God that now she can openly share Jesus with children. She is a humble servant of God and gives God the Glory for all of her accomplishments.

Students in the Mauna Loa School kindergarten and first grade class read more than 700 books during the five weeks before their Christmas break.

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CELEBRATING EIGHT YEARS AS CONFERENCE PRESIDENT RALPH S. WATTS III

I find it incredibly hard to believe that eight years has flown by since accepting the invitation to be your conference president. It all began March 2006. And now here we are in 2014, and I want to take this opportunity to share with you some of the amazing things I have been learning over these last eight years. First, let me just say that Sharon and I consider it a humble privilege and honor to be serving you in this capacity here in Hawaii. So often when you hear people describing Hawaii they talk about the beautiful beaches, azure blue ocean waters, palm trees, gentle trade winds, lush tropical fruits and all the tourist sights, sounds and smells. But as far as we are concerned, what really makes Hawaii, Hawaii, is the people — you. There is an “aloha” spirit here, which is alive and well, and we have been on the receiving end of it over and over again. You have been so kind and gracious to us, and all we can say from the depths of our hearts is, mahalo! We love you very much! We have experienced the joy and delight of worshiping and preaching in all 30 of our churches numerous times. What an amazing journey this has and continues to be. I have learned that we have wonderfully gifted and talented lay leaders who are committed to God and the church. Everyone is involved and engaged in what is happening. The Sabbath school programs have been well planned and the lesson studies taught with excellence and clarity. The worship services have been enthusiastic and participatory, the special music inspiring. Many times I have found myself so moved that the tears have welled up in my eyes. God is so good! And what can we say about the potlucks — wow! Visiting our churches has also given me the opportunity to share with you my vision

and passion, which is to take seriously this mission God has given to us (Matthew 28 and Revelation 14) which is to proclaim and prepare people for the soon second coming of Jesus Christ. Since this planet is gasping its last breath, we must all have a sense of urgency and be serious about this calling and commission God has given us. I want to be driven by this mission, and I have been learning that you do, too. Each One Reach One!

to continue listening and learning from you. The door to my office is always open, and my cell phone is on (well, most of the time)! Sharon and I are here to serve you. Please feel free to let us know how we can serve you better. In the meantime, let us all commit to living our lives faithful to God.

I have been learning that we have a very committed and dedicated team of pastors and teachers. They each have a passion for the churches and schools they serve. It is not an easy job and the challenges are great, yet each one believes in the call God has placed on their hearts to serve Him faithfully right here in Hawaii. To be colleagues together and to serve and support them again is a privilege for Sharon and me.

President

Aloha in Him, Ralph S. Watts III

I have been learning about the sacrificial faithfulness of all our members, pastors and teachers. As you know, we have faced some rather challenging times. Difficult decisions have been made which are affecting all of us. Yet through it all, you are being faithful to God. Faithful in the giving of your time and talents to the church. Faithful in returning to God tithes and offerings. I have been learning during these challenging times that we can take seriously the promise of God when He declares, “My Grace is sufficient for you.” And so the journey continues. I am committed March 2014 -

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THE DANGER OF PROCRASTINATION

BY FERYL HARRIS, TRUST DEPARTMENT FIELD REPRESENTATIVE A single mother who had been dealing with health issues for several years recently passed away without a will. Her two, 20-something daughters are now struggling to access the assets left behind. Mom had adopted and raised these two girls from toddler stage to young adulthood. She also knew she needed a will. She was an educated woman who held a master’s degree in education. She had attended many seminars about estate planning. She simply put it off … even as her health issues escalated. To complicate matters, one of her daughters has cerebral palsy and is unable to work. The other daughter is a recent graduate from high school who is caring for her disabled sister while, at the same time, searching for work. The two girls are currently waiting for the probate court to handle their case which, because of a backlog, seems not to be in the near future. They have no work experience

and no money to hire help, so they are at the mercy of the court system and government agencies. Their situation could have been avoided had their mom followed through with making an estate plan. One of our most valuable assets is our family. We have a sacred responsibility to them. This lady also had a “charitable intent” to help financially-disadvantaged students receive a Christian education, but her good intention will not come to fruition because she made no preparations. Seven out of 10 people die without having made a will — a sobering statistic. A person’s

Feryl Harris

assets, their legacy, their “good intentions” are of no value unless they are properly documented in a will or a trust. Don’t be one of those seven! Prepare now so that your assets are distributed according to your wishes — not the court’s mandate. Contact a planned giving officer at the Hawaii Conference for more information.

Generous Tithe Gain Posted in 2013 BY GARY G. JOHNSON, TREASURER

The Hawaii Conference received $5,374,915 in tithe in 2013, which is a $240,000 increase compared to the $5,134,852 tithe received in 2012, an increase of almost 4.7 percent. This is the first annual tithe increase since 2007 when the conference received an all-time record tithe of more than $6 million. We praise God for His blessings and for the faithfulness and generosity of our members and guests in returning their tithes and offerings.

Listed to the right is a breakdown of tithe by church for 2013 and 2012.

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M ar c h 2 014

ArizonaNEWS From the Assistant to the President for African-American Ministries

Streams in the Desert!

Pastor Kingsley O. Palmer

Assistant to the President/ Coordinator for African-American Ministries Arizona and Nevada-Utah Conferences

This newsletter is stitched into the Recorder and is only available to Arizona Conference members. Each conference within the Pacific Union provides a

Arizona

NEWS

And When He comes He will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. Isaiah 35:5-6 God’s promise to Isaiah to supply springs of water arising out of nowhere in a parched desert place is not only oxymoronic, but appears to contradict the creative process of Genesis chapter 1:9-10 where God did the reverse. To most cynical post-modern minds, this promise not only borders on the line of the ridiculous but the insane. Not so with God. His promises are always established outside the realms of an unexplainable impossibility. Those living in the desert terrains of Arizona, Nevada or Utah know the prophet’s vision as a true and living reality of what God can do. This is especially true among Arizona’s African-American community. In the 1920’s the Arizona Conference began giving Bible studies to two minority groups -- the Native Indian and Colored communities. Both studied together. January 1938 saw the formation of the first AfricanAmerican church in Phoenix. In 1946 a building was erected for Beacon Light Seventh-day Adventist Church. Mother Alice Coit, the only living charter member, still worships there. Not only is the gospel flowing among our churches it is also growing. September 2012 through October 2013 the desert regions saw the formation of the Abundant Life Group of Maricopa and the Eloy Fellowship just outside Tucson. The desert streams of the Everlasting Gospel still continue.

By the fall of 2013 we had passed our goal of baptizing more than 50 new members. More evangelistic endeavors are planned for 2014 I give thanks and praises to God, our team of pastors, our churches members, and a supportive Conference administration that have made this possible. What other streams do I see flowing in the Desert? 1. For the African-American work I see a new team of passionate pastors, churches sufficiently trained and resourced to meet the specific needs of their culturally diverse communities with the 3rd Angels message of Revelation 14:6-9. 2. In God’s vision a Millennial Generation unified and ready to challenge the notion that in ‘coming together’ our cultural distinctiveness ‘in Christ’ must be sacrificed to justify a maintaining a system of cultural exclusivity that separates us from Christ. Living in the wilderness everyone needs this Wellspring of Living Water — and His name is Jesus. 3. I envision our Conference family fully embracing the use of both arms of the gospel, which include the health message to provide a balanced and effective approach to reaching others just like Jesus did. Finally for those waiting to transition from this earthly wilderness… I see the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy confirmed in John’s vision of Revelation 7:9-11. This time it is not limited to only one or two groups, but a numberless multitude of people from everywhere. I hear them singing, shouting, praising and testifying to the providence of God who supplied them with Streams of Living Water in Desert Places.

Reaping for the Kingdom of God By Jose Marin

he members of the church are not all called to labor in foreign lands, but all have a part to act in the great work of giving light to the world. The gospel of Christ is aggressive and diffusive... There is work for every mind and for every hand. There is a variety of work, adapted to different minds and varied capabilities.” – Historical Sketches, 290291 “Reaping for the Kingdom of God” is the theme for Arizona Hispanic Ministries for 2014. An aggressive four-stage missionary initiative has been launched with an objective to transform 100 Sabbath School Classes into 100 Sabbath School Action Units. The preparation stage was implemented from January 8-18. Hispanic congregations sought God during Ten Days of Prayer as members prepared their hearts for outreach. The Ten Days of Prayer concluded with three Prayer Rallies throughout Arizona. Yuma and San Luis churches met on January 16; churches from southern Arizona met on January 18. Pastor Marco Molina from New York was the guest speaker. Incredible testimonies were given of the power of God to answer prayers in the most impossible circumstances. January 18 the sisterhood of Hispanic churches from the Phoenix area gathered

Arizona

NEWS

at the Phoenix Central Spanish Church to pray and share how God had answered many prayers during these ten days. Pastor Molina concluded with a call for rededication. Many commented, “The Spirit of God was in this place in a very unique way.”

Tucson area churches gather at the Doubletree Hotel at the conclusion of the Ten Days of Prayer.

Sowing: February 1-May 2: Members of the Sabbath School Action Units will minister to those closest to them, seeking opportunities to begin Bible studies and to direct interested friends to Bible study groups. Cultivation: May 3-24: Members will connect with their friends and those interested in Bible study through social activities. Harvest: May 25-June 21: An evangelistic event will be held for those who have been taking Bible studies. Baptisms are scheduled for

Phoenix area members gather at the Phoenix Central Spanish Church for the Ten Days of Prayer.

June 7-21. Then the next harvest cycle will begin at the conclusion of Arizona Hispanic Camp Meeting from June 28-November 8. Evangelistic Campaigns: La Voz Speaker-Director Omar Grieve will conduct an evangelistic series in the Phoenix area from October 25-November 1. Elder Marco Molina will conduct meetings in Tucson from November 1-8. Arizona Conference President Tony Anobile says, “We ask Arizona constituents to remember these events in prayer as we embark on this missionary effort to unite lay people and ministers to reap a fruitful harvest for the kingdom of God.”

Elaborate plans are in place for the Hispanic work in Arizona for 2014.

the in 14.

Third Annual Asian/Pacific Convocation T

By Phil Draper

he Third Annual Asian/Pacific Ministries Convocation was held January 25 at the Chandler City Community Center in Chandler, Ariz. Dr. Daniel Botabara, Central California Conference Asian/Pacific Ministries Director, was the guest speaker. His three presentations regarded the history and theology of the Sabbath. “His sermons were simple and direct, and helped give support to proper Sabbath observance,” said Glenn Sta. Ana, Arizona Conference Asian/Pacific Ministries Director. “He was able to clarify some ideas and misconceptions held by many people.” In his greeting to the congregation, Arizona Conference President Tony Anobile remarked, “When I came to Arizona Conference ten years ago, there was a very small presence in the Asian/Pacific work. Now I’m thrilled to see churches being built, new church plants being developed by mentoring churches, and a staff of dedicated pastors and laymen who are working tirelessly to win their communities for Jesus.”

Ten church families represented within the Arizona Conference Asian/ Pacific community include: • Tucson Fil-Am • Chandler Fil-Am • Phoenix Korean • Chandler Korean English • Tongan East Valley • Bethel Community (Haitian) • Ghanian Group • Burmese Group • Indonesian Group • Congo (African) Group • Vietnamese Group We are praying to organize more Asian churches this year,” explained Sta. Ana. “Our task for 2014 has three major emphases: Building, Education, and Evangelism. We give all the Glory to God!” The Convocation included special programs for the children and featured a traditional Asian/Pacific luncheon for the guests.

Pastor Glenn Sta. Ana, Arizona Conference Asian/Pacific Ministries Director, welcomes guest speaker Dr. Daniel Botabara, Central California Conference Asian/Pacific Ministries Director.

Members attending the Convocation represented the Philippines, Korea, Tonga, Haiti, Ghana, Burma, Indonesia, Congo, and Vietnam.

Children listen attentively to their children’s story.

Special programs were planned for children and youth attending the Convocation.

Arizona

NEWS

Bringing Hope

to the City of Eloy

By Phil Draper

he Southern Pacific Railroad gave the small community of Eloy, Ariz. its name when they built a switching station there in the early 1900’s. The European origin of the name Eloy New members of the Eloy Group are means “chosen.” That’s Pastor Ranison Kennedy presents framed certificates to those baptized at a nearby swimming pool. completing Bible Studies at the Pavilion of Hope Crusade. significant in the light of the evangelistic outreach in one day and 60 community children conducting weekly Sabbath Schools in by the Tucson Maranatha enrolled. a small, historic church on Sabbath Seventh-day Adventist Church members afternoons. They began an active door-to Experienced Bible instructors Esther who have chosen Eloy for their focus. door visitation program inviting residents King, from Compton, Calif. and Barbara The Arizona Conference recently voted to take Bible studies. McDavid from Las Vegas, NV, worked with for the Eloy Group to become officially Tucson Maranatha volunteers Marsha In May 2013, Tucson area churches recognized after many years of work by dedicated men and women who wanted to held a “Gospel Hope Fest” in a park in the Power and Cesar Morales prior to the beginning of the evangelistic series, bring the light of the Gospel to this small town center with activities for children, resulting in 40 guests attending. health screenings for adults, distribution community situated in Pinal County 65 of literature, and Gospel singing. Those Pastor A. L. LaCount joined Kennedy in miles southeast of Phoenix and 50 miles attending were invited to stay for a conducting the Pavilion of Hope Crusade northwest of Tucson. “haystack” luncheon. in September 2013, which ran for three Dr. James Washington and his wife, weeks. A group of Maranatha church The Eloy Group then offered their Sarah, began working in Eloy in 1998. members worked with and encouraged support to a community outreach They worked with Evangelist Byron Spears those attending to take Bible Studies. focused on children and families called in a meeting there. 38 completed the lessons and received “God’s Amazing Creation and STARLAB After the Washingtons entered full framed certificates after completing the Planetarium.” This event was two weeks retirement, Pastor Ranison Kennedy was Bible study series. At the conclusion of prior to the start of the evangelistic invited to lead the work in Eloy. He and the meetings, 13 were baptized. meetings. Four presentations were given his team from Tucson Maranatha began The Eloy Group meets Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sabbaths at the Curiel School Annex in Eloy. Kennedy says, “We want to do everything we can to make it possible for all to hear the loud clarion call that Jesus is coming soon. We are thrilled we have a strong Adventist presence in Eloy and a dedicated group wanting to spread the Gospel.”

The Eloy Group has been blessed with 13 new members at the end of the evangelistic series.

Arizona

NEWS

A new member of the Eloy Group is baptized at the crusade.

central ACTS

IA CONFERENCE RN FO

CENTRAL C AL I

Teen Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Retreat Teen Bible Academy

June 22 - July 13

PUBLISHER Central California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Costin Jordache

Ages 13 - 17

COPY EDITOR Susan Wisner DESIGN & LAYOUT Sergio Cano

Ages 13 - 17 // April 11 - 13, 2014

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KINGDOM MATTERS N o r t h e r n

C a l i f o r n i a

C o n f e r e n c e

N e w s l e t t e r

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“I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one …” John 17:21

Unified

W I n

t h i s

i s s u e

Goal #6 United Mission: Create a spirit of unity in diversity to accomplish the purposes of God’s kingdom.

Sacramento Slavic Congregation Finds a Church Home

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2 March 2014

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in Christ

henever I travel by plane, I always hope for a safe flight, with an on-time schedule – without any turbulence! If I have to choose from among those three qualities, I’ll take a safe trip any day. As I was waiting for a delayed flight recently, I heard something said about a “mechanical issue.” My first priority changed from getting home on time to getting home safely! It takes all kinds of people working together to orchestrate an airplane trip – ticket agents, gate attendants, mechanics, baggage handlers, cleaning crew, food and beverage suppliers, ground crew, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, and of course the cockpit crew. And it also takes passengers of all kinds: young and old, first-time flyers as well as frequent flyers, local and international travelers, every color, every personality, every appearance. Everyone involved has one goal: get the plane from Point A to Point B safely. I chuckle every time I hear an announcement such as: “This flight is bound for Chicago [or wherever]. If you planned to go somewhere else, this is not your plane!” It is good for everyone on board to be heading to the same destination. In many ways, an airplane trip is an illustration of unity. While there are different

people involved, not to mention different pieces of equipment, there is one singular purpose. Unity is what Jesus asked for on our behalf: “I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one – as You are in Me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in Us so that the world will believe You sent Me” (John 17:21, New Living Translation). Jesus is calling His people, His Church – including us – to be united in our mission. We will approach it from different backgrounds and with different methods. But it takes all of us working together to reach the ultimate destination – God’s heavenly kingdom. Strategic Goal #6 is about our United Mission: “Create a spirit of unity in diversity to accomplish the purposes of God’s kingdom.” While that may seem obvious, it’s not always as easy as we may think because we ARE from different backgrounds and perspectives, and we DO approach the work of the Church with different methods. It often is easier for us to work within our specific individual areas of locality, or ministry (church vs. school, etc.), or theological perspective, or cultural experience – rather than to cooperate together. I pray that those boundaries will become less important as we join hands in unity as believers in Christ, to accomplish the work God has given us all to do. “Father, may we be one!” Peace. _____________________________ By Jim Pedersen, who serves as the president of the Northern California Conference.

Northern California Conference OF

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

Strategic 2012-2016

Plan

Goal #6

United Mission

Create a spirit of unity in diversity to accomplish

the purposes of God’s kingdom.

ecently, the Northern California Conference unveiled its strategic plan for 2012-2016. The plan includes eight goals, along with strategies to achieve them. This issue focuses on the sixth of the eight goals and how it is being implemented in the conference. Future editions will feature others.

(Top) Pacific Union College Preparatory School Principal Peter Fackenthall leads a discussion group during lunch at the Mark Blue Lecture. (Below) La Sierra University Professor V. Bailey Gillespie speaks about the Valuegenesis study at last year’s Mark Blue Lecture.

“It is important for the church to talk to the school and the school to talk to the church, rather than just assuming that what you hear is the truth and getting everybody in a riled-up condition.”

Northern California

Adventists in Action www.facebook.com/ NorCalAdventistsinAction

In order to reach out to Northern California, NCC Adventists need the kind of unity that Jesus prayed for His followers to have (John 17:21). “Prayer is the first step to achieving any of our strategic goals,” said NCC President Jim Pedersen. “Prayer is absolutely vital to create a true spirit of unity among our churches, schools and ministries.” After prayer, the next step to achieve Goal #6 is to open the lines of communication among various NCC entities—administrators, church members, educators, ministry leaders and pastors. “We want to break down silos in our conference,” said Pedersen, referencing a business term taken from the world of farming. An organization is said to have a “silo mentality” when groups within the organization keep information to themselves, rather than sharing it with other groups. Leaders look for ways to tear down the silos within an organization so that everyone can work together toward a common mission. In recent years, the conference has focused especially on enhancing the partnership between pastors and educators. NCC Superintendent of Schools Bill Keresoma often stresses his T.E.A.M. philosophy: “Together Educators And Ministers, collaborating to build children into spiritual champions!” Galt church Pastor Jim Witcombe points out the common mission between his church and its school. “We really have one goal and one purpose,” he said. “The school is our greatest outreach to our community in the sense that we spend a good share of our budget operating our

school.” Galt Adventist Christian School Teaching Principal Janice Deibel emphasizes the necessity of communication to keep everyone on track. “It is important for the church to talk to the school and the school to talk to the church, rather than just assuming that what you hear is the truth and getting everybody in a riled-up condition,” she said. To further foster communication between churches and schools, the conference now brings all pastors and educators together for the Mark Blue Lecture Series—an annual event encouraging collaboration and fellowship. The lecture was named to honor the memory of Dr. Mark Blue, who served as associate superintendent of education and executive secretary in the NCC before his death in 2007. As part of last year’s event, pastors and educators broke into discussion groups to talk about ways they can work together. This year’s Mark Blue Lecture will be held April 7 with featured speaker Ruben Escalante, former Arizona Conference superintendent of education, principal, chaplain and current senior pastor of the Los Alamitos church. Another important ongoing collaboration is “Bridges: Bay Area for Jesus,” a joint project between the NCC and the Central California Conference, to reach out to Oakland, San Francisco and other Bay Area cities. Pastors of Oakland churches meet together regularly to develop joint outreach and evangelism plans for their city. (Watch for more news about this project in the near future.) “Too often local churches and conferences work independently of

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each other, when they could reach many more people if they would work together,” said Pedersen. The conference is also working to enhance the flow of communication to church members and employees. The NCC website was recently redesigned to help users more easily access a wide variety of information. “I hope people will visit our new website and discover how streamlined it is,” said NCC Communication Department Director Stephanie Leal. “We continue to look for new ways to help people find the information they need as efficiently as possible.” One new feature is the website section devoted to the upcoming NCC Constituency Session to be held on May 18. Nearly all the materials for

delegates will be available online in the coming months. Other communication tools include the NCC Facebook page “Northern California Adventists in Action”— created to help churches, schools and ministries share announcements of upcoming events and news of past events—and the newly redesigned Planned Giving website, www.SDAlegacy.org. With its emphasis on mission and unity, it is difficult to separate Goal #6 from the other goals in the NCC Strategic Plan. “All eight goals are aimed at achieving a united mission throughout the conference,” said Pedersen. “Christ’s gift of salvation unites us all, so we need to work together to be doing what matters for the kingdom.”

“Too often local churches and conferences work independently of each other, when they could reach many more people if they would work together.”

In Memory of Mark Blue

he Mark Blue Lecture Series is named in memory of Dr. Mark LaMont Blue, who served the Northern California Conference as executive secretary and as associate superintendent of education. It is the aim of this lecture series to pay tribute to Dr. Blue in a way that continues his life work as a proponent of Adventist education. This year’s theme — “Commitment to the Spiritual Welfare of the Child” — fits well with Dr. Blue’s philosophy of Adventist education. “I’m eager to see us in Northern embrace more completely the ministry of educators,” he said. “Our conference should be a shining example of the complete marriage of what we as Adventists do — minister both in the pulpit and in the classroom.” Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, Dr. Blue graduated from California State University, Northridge with a bachelor’s degree in history. He later earned a master’s degree and an education specialist degree — both in administration and leadership — from Loma Linda University. In 2004, he received a Doctor of Education in administration and leadership from La Sierra University. Dr. Blue began his career as a teacher at Los Angeles Union Seventhday Adventist School (now Los Angeles Adventist Academy). He then served as teaching principal at Madera Seventh-day Adventist School, K-8 principal at Fresno Adventist Academy, and K-6 principal at La Sierra Academy. Dr. Blue served as associate superintendent in the NCC Education Department from 1999-2006, when he took on the role of executive secretary, a position he held until his death in May, 2007. He is survived by his wife Christy and their two children, Christopher and Noelle.

Pacific Union Conference President Ricardo Graham (back) prays, as NCC President Jim Pedersen (left) and CCC President Ramiro Cano (center) stand with pastors and laypeople at the Bridges: Bay Area for Jesus event held in 2013 at the Grand Advent church.

“Our conference should be a shining example of the complete marriage of what we as Adventists do – minister both in the pulpit and in the classroom.”

Check out the new NCC website, which has recently been streamlined to help you quickly find information to help you in your local church, school or ministry: www.ncc.adventist.org.

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Northern California Conference

Planned Giving and Trust Services

www.SDAlegacy.org (888) 434-4622

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The Planned Giving website has recently been redesigned. Check it out at www.SDAlegacy.org.

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Sacramento Slavic

Congregation Finds a Church Home

he Sacramento Slavic church finally has a place of its own! The congregation worshiped together for the first time at their new church facility on Sabbath, Feb. 1. “During the service I felt very happy because we have a home for our church, our people,” said Pastor Roman Tsyganiuk. Located at 4837 Marconi Avenue in Carmichael, the campus includes two buildings—totaling 15,000 square feet. In addition to the large sanctuary, the facility contains 16 classrooms, licensed as a school. The church’s former owners, a Baptist congregation, will rent the facility for about a year while building a new church. (They will worship there on Sundays and run a K-12 school during the week.) The speaker for the Feb. 1 worship service was Rich Magnuson, NCC director of planned giving. “I was honored beyond words that I was invited to be there on the first Sabbath in their new church,” said Magnuson. “I encouraged them to use this church as a foundation to reach out and show God’s love throughout the Sacramento region.” The very active Slavic congregation includes about 450 people who attend

church each Sabbath. Tsyganiuk has served as its pastor since 2012. He came to the United States after pastoring in the Ukraine for 17 years. He and his wife Inna have three children—Anastasiia, Stanislav and Denys. The history of the Slavic church in Sacramento (Side and began when four Ukrainian Top) Music is families emigrated from an important the former Soviet Union part of the Slavic church and joined the Sacramento worship Yugoslavian church in 1991. experience. By 2000, the Slavic group numbered almost 80, and they began holding their own worship services. The group was formally organized as a company in 2002, and they became a church in 2004. Pastor Lune Randjelovic led the congregation for many years. In mid-February the congregation hosted its first series of outreach meetings at its new church, presented by Alexander Bolotnikov, a pastor from the Ohio Conference. “The congregation has big plans for outreach in their new church,” said Magnuson.

(Middle) The sanctuary has been custom designed acoustically and wired for sound and lightning. (Below) NCC Director of Planned Giving Rich Magnuson with his wife Kathie (left) and Sacramento Slavic church Pastor Roman Tsyganiuk with his wife Inna enjoy time together after the first worship service.

Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

401 Taylor Boulevard, P.O. Box 23165, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 685-4300 • Fax (888) 635-6934 www.ncc.adventist.org I info@ncc.adventist.org Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. I Mon-Thurs President, Jim Pedersen I Executive Secretary, Marc Woodson Treasurer, John Rasmussen

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Nevada-Utah Nevada-Utah Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 10475 Double R Boulevard, Reno NV 89521 Phone: 775-322-6929 • Fax: 775-322-9371

Views

Anchor of Hope”

“We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:18b, 19a). “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God, our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, Who is our hope” (I Timothy 1:1) fade, nothing helps like hope.” We may not be faced with some of the same trials of the people who wrote these lines, here is a description of hope but no one’s life of faith is free scratched on cellar walls by from storms. For each of us these anonymous people hiding storms may be di˛ erent and from the Nazis in World War II. It during these times of storm we reads: each need a sturdy anchor. ˝ at “When we are trapped in a anchor is Jesus. It is this ÿ rm and tunnel of misery, hope points to secure anchor that gives us hope the light at the end. When we are for the trials of life. overworked and exhausted, hope Larry Unterseher As the Nevadagives us fresh energy. When we Utah Conference enters into its next are discouraged, hope li˜ s our spirits. When we are tempted to quit, hope keeps us going. quadrennium we look forward with When we lose our way and confusion blurs great excitement for the unfolding the destination hope dulls the edge of panic. of God’s plan, knowing there may be many storms facing us as a When we struggle with a crippling disease or World Church, Division, Union, a lingering ÿ tness, hope helps us persevere Conference, Local Church or as beyond the pain. When we fear the worst, hope individual members. During these brings reminders that God is still in control. When we must endure the consequences of bad times we must stay focused on Jesus. We must take hold of this decisions, hope fuels our recovery. When we ÿ nd ourselves unemployed, hope tells us we still anchor that is immovable knowing it will weather the worst storm. Truly, this have a future. When we are forced to sit back anchor of hope we have in Jesus Christ is ÿ rm and wait, hope gives us the patience to trust. and secure! Rest in this blessed assurance today. When we feel rejected and abandoned, hope “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind reminds us we’re not alone we’ll make it. When is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the we say our ÿ nal farewell to someone we love, LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the hope in the life beyond gets us through our Rock eternal” (Isaiah 26:3,4). grief. Put simply, when life hurts and dreams

March 2014 In this issue...

“God Is Our by Larry Unterseher President, Nevada-Utah Conference

Focused on Jesus, we witness to the world!

•

“God is Our Anchor of Hope”

•

Pastor BJ Boles Joins Mountain View Seventh-day Adventist Church and NevadaUtah Conference

•

Week-long Evangelism Series Impacts Community for the Kingdom of God

•

Upcoming Events

•

Are You Looking To Save On Taxes This Year?

•

Target more ministry with the monthly Conference ADVANCE Offering … and help meet urgent local church and school needs.

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For each of us these storms may be different and during these times of storm we each need a sturdy anchor. That anchor is Jesus.

Nevada-Utah www.NUCadventist.comNevada-Utah www.NUCadventist.com

Views Views

Pastor BJ Boles Joins

Mountain View Seventh-day Adventist Church and Nevada-Utah Conference

“God is as mightily working in the hearts of man today, as He ever has.”

“The greatest challenge is to always remember that it is the Lord’s church, the Lord’s work, and the Lord’s victory. He will give the answers to our problems. Let Him work on our behalf, and let’s join Him,” Pastor BJ Boles (2013).

ountain View Seventh-day Adventist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, welcomed its new Senior Pastor BJ Boles. Boles recently relocated to Nevada from Georgia with his wife Mygdalia, and their two sons Eastin and Westin. Having grown up in Georgia, Boles is a product of Seventh-day Adventist education and is excited to now be serving in the Nevada-Utah Conference. He graduated from Georgia Cumberland Academy and went to Southern Adventist University. He received a B.S. degree in behavioral science, B.A. degrees in psychology and religion, and a minor in biblical languages. He completed his master of divinity degree with an emphasis in chaplain ministries from the ˝ eological Seminary at Andrews University in 1997, and was ordained to the gospel ministry in 1999. A˜ er that, Boles was a senior pastor in Georgia, and now has begun his most recent journey in Las Vegas, Nevada.

(Above) Larry Unterseher prays for Pastor BJ & Mygdalia Boles. (Below BJ Boles (second from right) with his pastoral team Paul Suh, Dave Wallace, and Angel Heredia .

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In addition to recently becoming senior pastor at Mountain View Church, Boles has also expanded his Mighty Moment Ministries, a media ministry where people can go online and view archived sermons as well as daily devotionals. For Boles, “it was always a dream to start a media ministry” and he wants “to encourage people on their daily walk with God.” When asked how he is encouraged, he said: “Seeing God’s hand. God is as mightily working in the hearts of man today, as He ever has.” With his “passion for the lost” and dedication to the Lord, Boles is driven because the “work is great, and time is running out. We need to do all we can to strengthen those who know Jesus and introduce Him to others.” Boles has a burning desire to help others ÿ nd the Lord, and he looks forward to serving the Las Vegas community. Even though he recently relocated from Georgia, his constant goal remains to make the church “a refuge for the hurting and a harbor of peace in stormy times.” He also believes that the church “should be a light of hope heralding the message of Christ’s love to the world.” He believes that we are all “24/7 ambassadors of the Lord.” In addition to his passion for leading others to Jesus Christ, Boles “loves to travel and explore new areas. My family has this bug as well. I enjoy reading and learning about history, photography, gardening and nature. “I have a heart for the Hispanic community. Having served as a student missionary in Chile and being fluent in Spanish, I am a friend and advocate of the Hispanic work in this conference. My wife’s family is from Mexico and the Spanish culture is an important part of our life.” His mission is to “grow the church and the kingdom of God.” ˝ e people of Las Vegas are truly privileged to have him and his family serving in the community. For more information on Mighty Moment Ministries, please visit Facebook.com/ mightymoment.

Upcoming

Week-long Evangelism Series

Deamude Adventist Christian School Week of Prayer March 10-15 Spring Break March 24-28

Impacts Community for the Kingdom of God

By Carlos Camacho

ANNOUNCEMENT

he greater Las Vegas area celebrated a Spanish-speaking, week-long evangelism series to start o˛ the year on January 11, 2014. ˝ e meetings brought an average of 300 people in attendance every night and brought 50 new souls through baptism to the kingdom of God. ˝ e meetings were conducted by guest speaker Omar Grieve from La Voz de la Esperanza. Mrs. Grieve opened every night with a health nugget and was followed by amazing music by Kelly Junior Marchena, in preparation for the powerful preaching of the word of God. ˝ e series was advertised on television and radio. ˝ e meetings were broadcasted every evening, live via Internet by the Radio Maranatha Adventista ministry team. ˝ e event was coordinated by the Paraiso Spanish Mission Group leadership under the direction of the Mountain View Seventh-day Adventist Church, and new Senior Pastor BJ Boles, in joint cooperation with the Nevada-Utah

The series featured amazing music by Kelly Junior Marchena (above) and inspirational sermons by Omar Grieve (below).

Events

Utah Spanish Youth Rally April 11-13 Adventist West Point of Evangelism April 20-24 Mesa, Arizona Constituency Session May 4 Las Vegas, Nevada

Hispanic Coordinator Pastor Carlos A. Camacho. ˝ e group was also thankful for the pastoral leadership of Douglas Falla and his team of Bible workers who made the campaign a success. On Sabbath, January 25, there was a celebration Sabbath for both the Mountain View church and the Paraiso Mission Group, as they were accepted into membership with the Mountain View church. ˝ ey are already excited about working toward becoming a company. Some 57 people were accepted as new members in a special joint service that brought about 300 people together at the Las Vegas Junior Academy. Boles preached a sermon titled: “˝ inking the unthinkable.” ˝ e members look forward to working The series brought 50 new souls through baptism to even more intentionally across the many the kingdom of God. barriers that separate them as they strive to fulÿ ll the mission of sharing the gospel of Jesus with every living creature in the Las Vegas area.

The Nevada-Utah Conference will hold three area-wide Town Hall Meetings in preparation for the 2014 Constituency Session. Everyone is welcome to attend this open forum of information, questions and answers. Please join us for an evening of fellowship and discussion.

• The Utah area meeting will be held Saturday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Nueva Esperanza Church, 7681 S 2200 W, West Jordan, Utah. • The Southern Nevada meeting will be held Sunday, March 30 at 7:00 p.m. at the Mountain View Church, 6001 W Oakey Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada. • The Northern Nevada meeting will be held Monday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m. at the Carson City Church, 405 College Parkway, Carson City, Nevada.

The NEVADA-UTAH VIEWS is a newsletter stitched into the Recorder and is only available to Nevada-Utah Conference members. Each conference within the Paciﬁc Union provides a newsletter such as this in the Recorder every other month.

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Nevada-Utah Views

ARE YOU LOOKING TO SAVE ON TAXES THIS YEAR? ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE? WE CAN HELP. There are a number of charitable plans that can help you save on taxes this year and secure your financial future. You can receive a charitable deduction by making a gift of your low performing CDs, stocks, bonds or even cash. We can also accept your appreciated assets like real estate or a business interest and help you sell these tax free. There are a number of ways we can help you generate tax savings and provide you with a stream of payments

for life. All of these gifts help you and help us continue our good work. Please contact us to see a personalized illustration with your tax benefits and payments. To learn more about the benefits of making a planned gift, you can also visit our website or call us today.

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Conference Advance Offerings are returned to individual churches and schools! Here’s how the Conference Advance Offering is distributed for return to churches:

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✓ 50% goes to Evangelism ✓ 25% goes to Church School Operating ✓ 25% goes to NUC Capital Improvements (land, buildings, and equipment)

Ta r g e t m or e m ini s t ry w i t h t he m on t hly

Conference ADVANCE Offering

…and help meet urgent local church and school needs!

or the past two years, Conference Advance has been on a huge upward percentage trend in the Nevada-Utah Conference. In fact, nearly a 100% increase in the past two years. That is fantastic! And faithful NevadaUtah Conference members who have remembered Conference Advance are to be thanked! For a number of years prior, the Conference Advance oﬀerings were seriously declining. This meant less and less money coming back to NUC churches and schools for evangelism, church school operating, and capital improvements.

Today, that has all changed and an ever-increasing amount of Conference Advance money is able to Keep be returned to churches Conference and schools throughout the Advance On conference. What a blessing! Its Upward Will you be remembering Trend in 2014! Conference Advance in 2014? There’s still room to grow! Mark your tithe envelope for the monthly Conference Advance Offering collected in all NUC churches! Please remember to participate in this extremely important offering that benefits NevadaUtah Conference churches and schools.

“I invite you to make a difference! Please be a part of our Conference Advance Offering as we finish the work together. We need your support! Can I count on you?” Jason Bergmann, NUC Secretary-Treasurer

Focused on Jesus, we witness to the world! Nevada-Utah Views www.NUCadventist.com

Conference

Priorities SOUTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE

S E V E N T H - DAY A D V E N T I S T S

Collaboration and Teamwork

uch has been written about the importance of a cohesive team in administration. The SECC officer team has been reading about leadership and discussing where we believe God is guiding us. We understand that collaborative leadership means we have to have unity and share common goals with one another to be eﬀective leaders. Our team has various skills and strengths. Everyone is passionate about serving God and people. I am grateful for the group of oﬃcers God has put together, and we are committed to serving you. I asked around the conference for words to describe each officer. These words give you a glimpse into their character: Alberto Ingleton, vice president for Hispanic ministries: accommodating, resourceful, approachable, conscientious, strategic and good-natured George King, vice president for Black ministries: devoted, motivating, gregarious, warm-hearted, passionate and enthusiastic Jonathan Park, executive secretary: innovative, happy, forward-thinking, levelheaded, influential and competent Mario Perez, assistant to the president: willing, diligent, kind, humble, faithful and trustworthy Elizer Sacay, vice president for Asian/ Pacific ministries: polite, keen, wise, considerate, compassionate and gentle Verlon Strauss, treasurer: attentive, easygoing, candid, astute, witty and helpful

SECCADVENTIST.ORG

In his book, “The Advantage,” Patrick Lencioni lists several things a cohesive team models: • “Members of the team trust one another and can be genuinely vulnerable with each other. • Team members regularly engage in productive, Pictured are the SECC officers. Top row from the left: Alberto unfiltered conflict around Ingleton, George King, Elizer Sacay. Bottom row from left: important issues. Jonathan Park, Sandra Roberts, Verlon Strauss. • The team leaves meetings danger of thinking his talent is sufficient with clear-cut, active, and specific to make a complete whole” (Ev, 104.1). agreements around decisions. Through significant prayer, reflection • Team members hold one another and time in conversation, our leadership accountable to commitments and team has come to recognize the behaviors. importance of a shared vision and the • Members of the leadership team are understanding that God has started and focused on team number one. They put will finish His work. This resulted in the the collective priorities and needs of the officer team committing to the following: larger organization ahead of their own 1. We want to be people of prayer, departments” (Lencioni, 71). individually and collectively. Ellen G. White had many words of 2. We want to follow God, and be advice on teamwork as well. Such advice radically rooted in and empowered by can be found in her book Evangelism. the Holy Spirit. “Let not one man feel that his gift 3. We want to have hearts of service. alone is sufficient for the work of God ... 4. We want to lead with boldness and In order for the work to be built up strong fearlessness. and symmetrical, there is need of varied 5. We want to be collaborative in our gifts and different agencies, all under approach. the Lord’s direction; He will instruct the We have been given an incredible workers according to their several ability. opportunity to serve this conference Co-operation and unity are essential to over the next 5 years and will seek to a harmonious whole, each laborer doing his God-given work, filling his appropriate be leaders that follow after the heart of Jesus. position, and supplying the deficiency By Sandra Roberts, SECC President of another. One worker left alone is in

• MARCH 2014

(Right) Pathfinders, from the Ontario church, serve food during the Christmas dinner, which was held for five families who spent the holidays in a battered women’s shelter. (Below) The Ontario church held a dinner for five families and provided gifts for each. Pictured here, a boy, who attended the event, receives a bike as a gift and is overjoyed.

Churches Reach Out to Communities During Christmas

he Christmas season is a time when outreach feels more meaningful and can have a more personal touch. Several churches have striven to share these moments of celebration and remembrance with those who otherwise may not have been able to enjoy this special holiday. Many congregations know that Christmas and Easter are the two times nonchurchgoers will attend a service. Corona Church Corona church members have taken advantage of this by canceling Sabbath school classes, and in their stead, asking church members to invite friends and family members to an annual Christmas brunch. “We have been doing this for 11 years,” said Gary Taber, Corona church senior pastor. “I started this because Christmas fell on a Sabbath and it was a great way to encourage members

to invite their families and friends to church. I believe that it is a powerful outreach tool.” Many church members came together to make sure that this was a successful event. A few days before the brunch, the church decorating committee transformed the fellowship hall. “I see the Christmas brunch as an opportunity to benefit our church family and our greater community. I truly enjoy turning the space into a warm and inviting venue,” said Tonjha Major, church member in charge of the decorating committee. On the day of the brunch, guests were greeted by church elders who

asked if they could pray for them and their family. The annual meal is served on a long table, and everyone is encouraged to help themselves. This is the one time of the year that church members are asked to participate in the meal without having prepared anything themselves, as they normally would for a potluck. Josie Asencio, associate pastor, said, “We do this as a service to our community and church members. I had one family ask me over and over again if I was sure that they did not have to bring anything. It took them a while, but they finally believed that all they had to do was invite people, give an approximate RSVP and come.”

“I see the Christmas brunch as an opportunity to benefit our church family and our greater community. I truly enjoy turning the space into a warm and inviting venue.”

(Left) Guests and members of the Corona church enjoy conversations and food during the annual Christmas brunch. (Right) Gary Taber, senior pastor of the Corona church, talks with guests and church members during the annual Christmas lunch.

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• MARCH 2014

Upcoming Events

Everyone who is a part of this yearly event sees it as an opportunity to reach out to extended members of San Diego Academy Alumni the Corona church family, Weekend (March 7-9) The those in the community weekend’s events include: Friday and those who do not often vespers 7 p.m. at Paradise Valley attend church. church; Sabbath worship 10 a.m. “My husband doesn’t (alumni check-in is at 9:15 a.m.) in really go to church, and this the San Diego Academy gymnasium; Christmas brunch is the Alumni games Saturday night and Church members of the Corona church pray with those with Sunday. Dick Duerksen, class of ’64, one time a year I tell him that special requests. will be the featured speaker. Info: he has no choice in the matter. 619-267-9550. Ontario Church He has to come because my church is The youth group at the Ontario church going to know that I have a husband,” Wedgewood Trio Concert held an event that almost seemed to said Patty Rindt, church member. (March 22) 6:30 p.m. Garden Grove combine the activities of the Corona church, 12702 Ninth St., Garden and Rancho Cucamonga churches. They Seventh-day Adventist Fellowship of Grove. The concert is free to attend. arranged a Christmas dinner, complete Rancho Cucamonga Church Info: 714-534-1987. with gifts supplied by church members, Rancho Cucamonga church for five families who spent the holidays members conducted a ChristmasPetting Zoo (April 5) 5 p.m. Loma in a battered women’s shelter. Fernando themed activity geared toward Linda church, 11125 Campus St, Loma Navarro and Camille children. The Linda. Join in seeing rare and unique Adventurer “I have never sat down Alaras, youth leaders, animals up close and learn interesting along with countless Club distributed and had someone facts about them. Info: 909-558-4570. others involved in this presents to serve me dinner. I felt outreach, planned an children who SECC Jr. High Band Festival evening full of food, would not be so blessed.” (April 9) 7 p.m. Loma Linda Academy fun and fellowship; and able to spend Gymnasium, 10656 Anderson St, were blessed by the response. Christmas with their parents, because Loma Linda. All are welcome. Info: The Pathfinders wore their Class they are incarcerated. Teri Vasquez, 951-509-2313. A uniforms to serve the guests. The Seven children residing in the youth took part in Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana and cooking, setting Ontario areas whose parents are up the fellowship incarcerated were identified by Milika hall and cleaning Chiwai, the Adventurer assistant up afterward. leader, and were asked to submit their Each family had Christmas wish list. Each child of an their own round inmate was assigned to an Adventurer, table, complete who chose a gift from that child’s wish with a Christmas list and wrapped it for them. centerpiece and Before these gifts were given to the gifts for each family recipients on December 21, Dennis Rancho Cucamonga youth pose for a picture with the children they member. Before Michael, Rancho Cucamonga city provided gifts to. this event, church mayor, came to thank the church for members were asked to take a wish list being involved in the community going to do for my children this Christmas, from a wreath and small Christmas tree in programs that help the poor and but thank God they have presents to the church lobby and purchase gifts for the needy. Themba Mzizi, pastor open.” these families. They did not disappoint. of the church, thanked the mayor A young boy from another family, who One mother who attended the and the city leaders for providing a received a bicycle, was so excited that he dinner said, “I have never sat down and conducive environment for the church almost rode his bike in the fellowship hall. had someone serve me dinner. I felt so to represent the love of Jesus in their The blessing of reaching out, meeting blessed.” community. needs and giving back is what God has Another responded by saying, “I had “Our children should be trained to called us to do in our own communities. been worried, wondering what I was lead others to Jesus,” said Mzizi. Compiled by Natalie Romero

January 22, 2014

Pine Springs Ranch Update

From the desk of Carmen Ibañez, camp director

It has been encouraging to see some progress in the recovery of Pine Springs Ranch. Many have been eager to see new construction, and it has finally happened! The framing to the new sewer plant building went up within a matter of days and the siding quickly followed. The inside of the building is now finished and ready for the equipment to be installed. Most of the small sewer plant equipment has been delivered, but we’re still eagerly awaiting some of the larger equipment. Since many of the diﬀerent components had to be custom ordered, it took quite a while for them to arrive. A few of the items actually have taken months for them to be designed and built. We had hoped to have been operational sooner. Unfortunately, due to the delays with the county permit process and with the equipment delivery, it did not

happen. We hope that by the time this article is printed, we will have a more solid prospective opening date. The PSR staﬀ has been very busy with the clean-up of what the fire left behind. The structural repairs to Town Hall have been completed, and it looks great! The melted phone and internet lines underneath Town Hall were replaced and now the phone lines are working in all of the buildings. A house that had been vacant and needing major repairs was finally fixed and remodeled. We had one

SOUTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE

staﬀ member that was living in a cabin, but thanks to renovation of this house, every staﬀ member that lives on-site finally has a place to call home. We continue to ask you to keep us in your prayers. Setbacks can be discouraging, but we know that God will use this experience so that He can bless us and others as well. We can’t wait to have you, our supporters, back up here to celebrate God’s blessings!

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• MARCH 2014

In This Issue March 2014

SCC Restructuring Community Services Crescenta Valley School Celebrates 90th Anniversary Evangelism

C h u r c h e s U s e O n l i n e T oo l s Betty Cooney Title

for Ministry and Outreach

e live in an amazing time! If ever there were a time when “Knowledge shall increase and many shall run to and fro” (Dan. 12:4), this would seem to be it. Technology of all kinds has changed our world dramatically in the past few decades—or weeks –and it promises to change even more in the days ahead.

Smart phones are helping in the process of getting smart homes which will interact with smart clothes, accessories and cars. We know that children, youth and young adults are the natives in this environment, having grown up with communication technology; the rest of us are immigrants trying to learn to navigate—or even just keep track of user names and passwords. While some of us may enjoy (or tolerate) navigating the world of technology and Internet connectivity, it is important to prioritize: smart phones, iPads, websites, social media and more, are not the message. They are only tools, the means of sharing God’s Good News for the world in our ministry to others. Technology played a role in the recent global attention focused on Pastor

Antonio Monteiro and church member Bruno Amah who reportedly had been wrongfully imprisoned since March 2012, in Togo without any word of a trial date or possible bail. Adventists on social media picked up the story early on, telling others of the injustice that was being done. Using www.pray4togo.com and other initiatives, technology was used to unite the World Church in seeking Monteiro’s release. By the time more than 60,000 supporters had added their names to a petition circulated online, news came that Pastor Monteiro was released. (Amah, unfortunately, was sentenced to 10 years.) Most people would never have heard of the pair or the injustice without an online petition on change. org and the website, that invited users to share a message: “Keep participating in the #pray4togo campaign. Pray sign the petition and help spread the banners

available at: http://pray4togo.com,” on Facebook and Twitter.* Locally, technology is playing a major evangelistic role in many SCC churches. One of these is the Hacienda Korean church led by Pastor Choon Hwan Lee, who is using Skype, an online calling service, to host two early-morning Bible study classes. People on the call-line are from all over the U. S. and overseas, as well as in Los Angeles. Lee began his “Early Bird Bible School” phone sessions while a pastor in the Ohio conference. To help meet the nationwide interest developed by pastors of U. S. Korean churches and keep classes small enough to allow interaction, teams of Korean pastors and volunteers across the U. S. serve as facilitators for subsidiary groups. Cost of the phone service? $3 a month.

Knowledge shall increase and many shall run to and fro

Young adults in the El Monte Vietnamese church are also online cont. on page 3 Southern California Conference •

In Transition (voted Jan. 8, 2014)

New Employees Zachary Crook

Interim Marketing Director, SCC Education Dept., as of Jan. 1, 2014.

Joshua Rios

Stipend Assoc. Pastor, Eagle Rock church, as of Jan. 16, 2014

Changes within the Conference Nenad Didara

From Assoc. Pastor, Eagle Rock church; to Assoc. Pastor, West Covina Hills church, as of Jan. 16, 2014

Albert Frederico

From Assoc. Pastor, Norwalk church; to Interim Pastor, Norwalk church, as of Jan. 12, 2014

Deanna Simeone

Leaving Conference Employment

Kerry Barragan

Asst. Director, Human Resources/Risk Management depts., as of Jan. 2, 2014

Kevin Byrne

Stipend pastor, Ojai church, as of Dec. 31, 2013

Rebecca Hanan

Marketing director, SCC Education Department, as of Dec. 31, 2013

J. P. O’Connor

Pastor, Norwalk church, as of Dec. 31, 2013

Pastor, Santa Barbara church, as of Dec. 31, 2013

From Admin. Secretary, SCC President/Human Resources/ Risk Mgmt. depts.; to Asst. Director, Human Resources/ Risk Management depts., as of Jan. 1, 2014

Greater Los Angeles Region The annual Black Ministerial Fellowship (BMF) Winter Revival concluded after a full week of preaching with Gene Donaldson DMin, of Washington D.C. The theme of the revival was No Turning Back. On the final night, Feb.1, about 350 people were in attendance at the Fifty-Fourth Street church, including more than 25 repentant Christians and six baptisms. Adolphus Garnett, Anthony J. Kelly pastor of the church, hosted the event. GLAR director Elder Royal Harrison, BMF president and senior pastor of the Valley Cross Roads church held a three-week evangelistic series that began on Feb 1st, with Ron Smith, DMin, PhD, Southern Union president, as guest speaker. The Greater Los Angeles Region Convocation will convene on April 25 and conclude on April 27, with our first annual Convocation Picnic at Kenneth Hahn park in Inglewood. The theme: “The Head and Not the Tail: We’re Moving Forward, Fishing Not Wading.” In this year of evangelism we are committed to baptism at every event and believe that Convocation will yield a great harvest for the Lord. University church will host a Spring Revival with Elder Richard Barron May 4-10 and establish “Contact the Community,” a monthly ministry to make the community aware of all of the ministries provided for them. A number of other GLAR churches are participating in evangelism endeavors throughout the year. We are hoping that baptisms in 2014 will at least double the 139 reported for 2013.

Literature Evangelism

Retirement

Robert Taylor

Evangelism, cont. from page 4

Compton Community church just started GLOW at their church in January. Approximately 20 people went out for outreach into the Compton streets to share the love of Jesus through GLOW tracts and prayer. After just one hour of knocking on doors, volunteers found one who wanted Bible studies; and the group distributed more than 200 pieces of literature! After the outreach time, Heidi Carpenter members shared testimonies and were completely refreshed and director blessed by the short hour of service. If you would like to get your church involved in GLOW or door-to-door outreach, please call us at 818-546-8435.

SCC Restructuring Community Services

he North American Division has restructured its Adventist Community Services (ACS) Department, and conferences across the Division are participating in the process on the local level. “As part of the restructuring plan for ACS in Southern California Conference, “ said James G. Lee, Jr., “we will be receiving a 14-foot trailer to use for distributing disaster-relief equipment among our churches. This will be arriving in April, 2014. In addition, the NAD restructuring plan includes our receiving a pallet of 240 five-gallon buckets. These will be shared with our churches to fill with • Southern California Conference

items for a disaster-relief response. (The cost of materials for each bucket will total approximately $30 - $35.) When filled, the buckets will be stored in another storage trailer that is parked on the campus of Glendale Adventist Academy. “If a disaster strikes in our area, the trailer at the SCC office will take the filled buckets to the location for churches to use in whatever disasterrelief work they may be involved,” Lee added. “The blessing of having these vehicles, made possible by a grant obtained by the Pacific Union, is that at the point of greatest need in a disaster,

our churches will be prepared to help. We are grateful that the Division and the Pacific Union have provided for this great need.” Maitland De Pinto is directing the NAD restructuring; Charlene Sargent, a Disaster-Relief instructor for the Pacific Union Conference, is assisting.

Churches Use Online Tools, cont. from page 1

for their church, according to Dan Quach, a software engineer who set up planning procedures with Google Drive spreadsheets (http://tinyurl.com/ mlwncjb). Using Freeconferencecall.com to dial in for weekly online meetings, Vuong Doan, another young adult, uses the spreadsheets for meetings to plan Sabbath School and worship events (http://tinyurl.com/mop3m93) with a young adult team. The meetings allow participants to edit and make suggestions as group members talk together. It also

helps each young adult see how they can use their talents in the various Sabbath events. Another young adult in the church uses Google Hangout to conduct smallgroup Bible studies. As Christ gives “the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip His people for works of service that the body of Christ may be built up,” (Eph. 4:11-13 NIV), so today, He equips His people with technology and other tools to represent Him. May

we be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves,” (Matt. 10:16 NKJV) as we harness smart technology for His glory. “We must do something out of the common course of things. We must arrest the attention . . . [Christ] sought to gain the attention of the multitude; and then He proclaimed to them the truths of the gospel.” Review and Herald, Jan. 17, 1907. *Excerpted from an Adventist News Network report, Jan. 12 2014, with reporting from the GC Communication Dept.

Crescenta Valley School

Celebrates 90th Anniversary

Wendy DiLullo Newmyer

he Crescenta Valley Adventist School (CVAS) celebrated their 90th Anniversary on the weekend of January 24, with a schedule of inspiring features. The weekend began with Friday Night Haystacks and a special performance by the CVAS Junior High’s hand-miming group, Young Hands for Him. The Sabbath service included a teacher dedication, as well as roses and certificates for alumni. Mrs. Marjorie Wichman, who had taught at CVAS for 40 years, read the school history and alumni Jeff Louden, Carolynda Applebury and Donna Wolpert gave testimonies of life after CVAS. An Italian luncheon followed, giving alumni and school families an opportunity to mingle and reminisce. Ariel Quintana, past CVAS music teacher, rounded up the Alumni Choir to sign songs and end the Sabbath in worship. Previous principal Nedd Brown closed the Sabbath with fond CVAS memories. At the Open House Extravaganza on Sunday, alumni and members of the community enjoyed food trucks, bouncers and games on campus. Pastor Cary Fisher rededicated

(l. to r.): Melissa Wilson, kindergarten teacher; Jenefel Stafford, grades 5/6 teacher; Chanda Castaneda, grades 7/8 teacher; SCC Associate Superintendent Pam Forbes, PhD; Wendy DiLullo-Newmyer, principal; Deedee Pardo, Home and School president; Debra Powell, CVAS office manager; Sharon Balta, grades 3/4 teacher. Photo by Mark Newmyer

the school campus and Associate Superintendent Pam Forbes, PhD, performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Alumni and new faces graced the campus, enjoying all that CVAS had to offer. Prospective students walked through the classrooms in awe of projects the students had completed. One child of an out-of-town alumna, remarked, “I wish we lived closer, Mommy. This school is fun!” Parents of prospective students were equally intrigued and filled out applications to ensure that their child had a reserved seat for the upcoming school year.

“This school is a hidden gem, nestled in the Foothills away from the bustle of the city, Principal Newmyer explained. “For 90 years, we have educated kindergartners through 8th-graders in the Crescenta Valley community, focusing on the whole child: spiritually, academically, physically and socially. At CVAS we ensure that class sizes are small, in order to build character through academics in a caring, Christian environment.” For enrollment or other information, please visit www.cvas.net or call 818-249-1504.

Southern California Conference •

SCC Evangelism Our conference is continuing to conduct re:connect seminars in our churches, as we reach out to members no longer worshiping with us. We are asking participating churches to each plan to send five delegates from their churches for this training. The following churches will be meeting for this vital ministry in March, 2014: Mar. 1 – At the Smyrna church, 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. Participating churches: Berean, Olympic Korean, Breath of Life, 54th St., and Culver City. Mar. 22 – At Hollydale church, 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. Participating churches: South Bay, Hawthorne, Rolling Hills, Bellflower, Norwalk, Downey, Compton Community, Tamarind Ave., Normandie Ave., James G. Lee, Jr. Maranatha and Miramonte. Vice President Gerard Kiemeney is director of the re:connect outreach. Evangelism director

L. A. Metro Region The LA Metro Region is emphasizing “ministry in context” as its main evangelistic outreach method. This method is based on the biblical model of Jesus, as He reached out to people while He walked among us. “The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, Gerard Kiemeney ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. L.A. Metro Region director, Young Adult Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’” How this principle Ministries coordinator of “ministry in context” is applied by LA Metro churches varies. Some examples include: The Vallejo Drive, Eagle Rock and White Memorial churches conducted CREATION Health seminars; Glendale City church sends its young people into its adjacent shopping center to share bottles of water with busy shoppers; Gardena Genesis Community celebrates block barbecues. The success of “Ministry in Context” is predicated upon members mixing with their community to show God’s love to an ever increasing relationship-starved society.

West Region Lancaster church Pastor Ed Sammons reports that he is planning an evangelistic series that will be held on Wednesdays, Feb. 5 – Apr. 16, at 7:00 p.m. “Accompanying this series will be an outreach program aimed at children, called ‘Wednesday Night Kid’s Time!’ These meetings will be followed Richard Roethler director by intentional outreach over Easter, including a special Friday Night Agape Meal, Sabbath Service and on Easter Sunday, an “Easter Eggstravaganza” at Rawley-Duntley Park which will include a gospel presentation, Easter Egg Hunt, Games and BBQ. Additionally, we are planning a Health Expo toward the end of April or early May. Each of these events will build upon each other, with the intention of building ongoing relationships with guests new to our church.” Canoga Park church Pastor Will McCall reports that church members will be distributing by hand and bulk mail the “Thunder in the Holy Land” DVDs. These DVDs are invitations to study the Bible using video presentations. Members were encouraged to list the friends and contacts with whom they share the DVDs, pray for them for three months. Church members fasted and prayed every second and fourth Sabbath from 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. and were invited to watch the series on Tinyurl.com/k6rxeh4 • Southern California Conference

or in the sanctuary at 7:00 a.m. on those Sabbaths. With the follow-up, members had opportunities to establish relationships with those who became interested. In March, Lake of the Woods church will conduct a Prophecy Seminar evangelistic series in Spanish, to reach the Hispanic community of Frazier Park. Meetings will be held in the meeting hall of the Frazier Park Library; Lay Pastor Jose Gutierrez will be the speaker. Toward the end of April, a Prophecy seminar will be held in English, to help answer the many questions about prophecy that community residents have raised.

Asian Pacific Region The Glendale Filipino church hosted The Golden Opportunity Seminar Feb. 7-22, featuring speaker David Fernandez, SCC Literature Ministry assoc. dir. Meetings were held nightly at 7:00 p.m., except Thursdays and included three Sabbath worship services. Food was served every evening from 6:00 – 6:40 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Free children’s Samuel Lee, care and program were provided. SOULS WEST Asian Pacific Bible workers Shekinah Diel, Candice Napod and Region director Sheila Adea helped the church prepare for the series. Weekdays, they visited door to door in the community and give Bible studies. On Sabbaths, they conducted seminars for the members on how to give Bible studies. They also accompanied the members on door-to-door literature ministry distribution and invitation. The Hacienda Korean church held the Natural Health Seminar from Jan. 6 – 11, with about 60 people attending, including 20 from the community. Elder Moon-Hyun Lee was the presenter who shared principles of a natural healing system. Hacienda Korean church Pastor Choong Hwan Lee preached messages of God’s love through the healing stories of the Bible. Participants attended daily meetings from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The service of the members who helped with meeting preparations and the messages of the pastor touched hearts. As a follow-up to the series, the church is providing a cooking class every Sabbath afternoon, conducted by Yun-Kyung Kim, wife of Pastor Lee. About 15 non-members attend, along with church members. The Valley United church held a week’s evangelistic series in early February. The speaker was Lee Sanggu, MD. The church advertised in a Korean daily newspaper and distributed 5000 flyers. Church members also invited friends personally. Said Pastor Andrew Kim, “By the time the series was nearing its opening night, 57 had registered from the community.”

Hispanic Region Guillermo Garcia, Hispanic Region evangelist, reports that most SCC Spanish churches are preparing for the Metropolitan Evangelistic Campaign that will be held during the month of April. Churches are giving bible studies, holding Weeks of Prayer, health seminars, revelation seminars and preparing the people for the arrival of an evangelist in their congregation. With this concerted effort, pastors and members are praying for a soul harvest.

Luis Peña, Hispanic Region director

Cont. on page 2